Optimization of synthesis condition and electrode fabrication for spinel LiMn2O4 cathode

We used cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic cycling test to optimize the synthesis condition and electrode composition for spinel LiMn2O4 cathode. Based on a synthetic approach of solid reaction, the most appropriate Li–Mn source for the synthesis of LiMn2O4 was found to be LiOH/MnO2 and the optimum synthesis condition was to react at 750 °C in air for 18 h. The LiMn2O4 such obtained has an initial specific capacity of 120–130 mAh/g between 3.5 and 4.2 V. In the electrode films, the carbon that was used as a conducting agent significantly affects performance of the LiMn2O4 electrode. Among the carbons examined in this work, we found that carbon black from Alfa Aesar was a better conducting agent and its appropriate content was around 10% in the LiMn2O4 electrode.