Glycine-assisted combustion synthesis and electrochemical behavior of LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2 nanoparticles under microwave irradiation

Layered LiNi_0.5Mn_0.5O₂ nanoparticles have been successfully prepared by the glycine-assisted combustion method under microwave irradiation. The exothermic reaction can generate a large quantity of heat rapidly leading to the formation and crystallization of LiNi_0.5Mn_0.5O₂. From the X-ray diffraction and scanning electronic microscopy results, the resulting powders have a well-developed layered structure and average particle-size is about 80 nm. The chemical composition analysis and electrochemical characteristics of the obtained LiNi_0.5Mn_0.5O₂ nanoparticles as cathode material for rechargeable lithium-ion battery were also investigated. The improved electrochemical performances of the layered LiNi_0.5Mn_0.5O₂ nanoparticles might be ascribed to the nanostructure of the powders and the unique combustion synthesis under microwave irradiation.