Solvothermal Synthesis of Superfine Li1−xMn2O4−σ Powders

Superfine Li_1−xMn₂O_4−σ powders were successfully synthesized by the alcohol-thermal method using 0.01 mol of MnO₂, 0.01mol of LiOH·H₂O, and 0.06mol of NaOH as starting materials at 160-200°C. The products are characterized by XRD, TEM, ED, BET, and ICP. Results show that the Li_0.74Mn₂O_3.74 powder prepared at 200°C has an average size of 180 nm with BET surface areas of 16.44 m²/g. A possible formation mechanism is proposed. It was concluded that the alcohol acts not only as the solvent but also as the reducing agent in the synthesis of Li_1−xMn₂O_4−σ powders. The effects of reaction temperature and the contents of NaOH and LiOH on the formation of single phase Li_1−xMn₂O_4−σ were investigated.