Mn environment in layered Li[Mg0.5−xNixMn0.5]O2 oxides monitored by EPR spectroscopy

X-band and high-frequency EPR spectroscopy were used for studying the manganese environment in layered Li[Mg_xNi_0.5−xMn_0.5]O₂, 0?x?0.5. Both layered LiMg_0.5Mn_0.5O₂ and monoclinic Li[Li_1/3Mn_2/3]O₂ oxides (containing Mn⁴⁺ ions only) were used as EPR standards. The EPR study was extended to the Ni-substituted analogues, where both Ni²⁺ and Mn⁴⁺ are paramagnetic. For LiMg_0.5−xNi_xMn_0.5O₂ and Li[Li_(1−2x)/3Ni_xMn_(2−x)/3]O₂, an EPR response from Mn⁴⁺ ions only was detected, while the Ni²⁺ ions remained EPR silent in the frequency range of 9.23-285 GHz. For the diamagnetically diluted oxides, LiMg_0.25Ni_0.25Mn_0.5O₂ and Li[Li_0.10Ni_0.35Mn_0.55]O₂, two types of Mn⁴⁺ ions located in a mixed (Mn-Ni-Li)-environment and in a Ni-Mn environment, respectively, were registered by high-field experiments. In the X-band, comparative analysis of the EPR line width of Mn⁴⁺ ions permits to extract the composition of the first coordination sphere of Mn in layered LiMg_0.5−xNi_xMn_0.5O₂ (0?x?0.5) and Li[Li_(1−2x)/3Ni_xMn_(2−x)/3]O₂ (x>0.2). It was shown that a fraction of Mn⁴⁺ are in an environment resembling the ordered “α,β”-type arrangement in Li_1−δ1Ni_δ1[Li_{(1−2x)/3+δ1}Ni_2x/3−δ1)_α(Mn_(2−x)/3Ni_x/3)_β]O₂ (where and δ₁=0.06 were calculated), while the rest of Mn⁴⁺ are in the Ni,Mn-environment corresponding to the Li_1−δ2Ni_δ2[Ni_1−yMn_y]O₂ () composition with a statistical Ni,Mn distribution. For Li[Li_(1−2x)/3Ni_xMn_(2−x)/3]O₂ with x?0.2, IR spectroscopy indicated that the ordered α,β-type arrangement is retained upon Ni introduction into monoclinic Li[Li_1/3Mn_2/3]O₂.     

EPR spectroscopic studies in (30 − x) Li2O-xK2O-10CdO-59B2O3-1MnO2 multi-component glass system

EPR studies were carried out in (30 - x) Li₂O-xK₂O-10CdO-59B₂O₃-1MnO₂ multi-component glass system to understand the effect of the variation in the alkali ratios on the EPR parameters. The observed EPR spectra of Mn²⁺ ion exhibits resonances at g = 2.0, 3.3 and 4.3. The resonance at g = 2.0 is due to Mn²⁺ ions in an environment close to the octahedral symmetry, where as the resonances at g = 3.3 & 4.3 are due to the rhombic surroundings of Mn²⁺ ions. Hyperfine splitting constant values at g = 2.0 and number of paramagnetic centers & paramagnetic susceptibility at different observed resonances were evaluated. These parameters show non linear variation with progressive substitution of Li⁺ ion with K⁺ ions may be due to the changes in cation field strengths and local structural variation due to the variation in mixed alkali ion ratios.     

High-pressure synthesis of solid solutions between trigonal LiNiO2 and monoclinic Li[Li1/3Ni2/3]O2

High-pressure synthesis in an oxygen-rich atmosphere yields solid solutions between LiNiO₂ and Li₂NiO₃ over the whole concentration range. Structural characterization of the high-pressure oxides was performed using powder XRD, SEM analysis, IR spectroscopy, EPR spectroscopy at 9.23 and 115 GHz and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The crystal structure of Li[Li_xNi_1−x]O₂ ,, changes from trigonal R-3m to monoclinic C2/m at Li-to-Ni ratio of 2 (or ). The incorporation of Li into NiO₂-layers causes a decrease in the mean Li-O and Ni_1-xLi_x-O bond distance. Li and Ni ions in the mixed Ni_1-xLi_xO₂-layers display a tendency to order at a short length scale in such a way that mimics the Li_1/3Ni_2/3-arrangment of the end Li[Li_1/3Ni_2/3]O₂ composition. The charge distribution in these oxides proceeds via Ni³⁺ and Ni⁴⁺ ions.     

Thermochemistry of Li1+xMn2−xO4 (0?x?1/3) spinel

Lithium substituted Li_1+xMn_2−xO₄ spinel samples in the entire solid solution range (0?x?1/3) were synthesized by solid-state reaction. The samples with x<0.25 are stoichiometric and those with x?0.25 are oxygen deficient. High-temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry in molten 3Na₂O·4MoO₃ at 974 K was performed to determine their enthalpies of formation from constituent binary oxides at 298 K. The cubic lattice parameter was determined from least-squares fitting of powder XRD data. The variations of the enthalpy of formation from oxides and the lattice parameter with x follow similar trends. The enthalpy of formation from oxides becomes more exothermic with x for stoichiometric compounds (x<0.25) and deviates endothermically from this trend for oxygen-deficient samples (x?0.25). This energetic trend is related to two competing substitution mechanisms of lithium for manganese (oxidation of Mn³⁺ to Mn⁴⁺ versus formation of oxygen vacancies). For stoichiometric spinels, the oxidation of Mn³⁺ to Mn⁴⁺ is dominant, whereas for oxygen-deficient compounds both mechanisms are operative. The endothermic deviation is ascribed to the large endothermic enthalpy of reduction.     

Sn-doped Li<Subscript>1.2</Subscript>Mn<Subscript>0.54</Subscript>Ni<Subscript>0.13</Subscript>Co<Subscript>0.13</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries with enhanced electrochemical performance

Sn-doped Li-rich layered oxides of Li_1.2Mn_0.54-x Ni_0.13Co_0.13Sn _x O₂ have been synthesized via a sol-gel method, and their microstructure and electrochemical performance have been studied. The addition of Sn⁴⁺ ions has no distinct influence on the crystal structure of the materials. After doped with an appropriate amount of Sn⁴⁺, the electrochemical performance of Li_1.2Mn_0.54-x Ni_0.13Co_0.13Sn _x O₂ cathode materials is significantly enhanced. The optimal electrochemical performance is obtained at x = 0.01. The Li_1.2Mn_0.53Ni_0.13Co_0.13Sn_0.01O₂ electrode delivers a high initial discharge capacity of 268.9 mAh g^?1 with an initial coulombic efficiency of 76.5% and a reversible capacity of 199.8 mAh g^?1 at 0.1 C with capacity retention of 75.2% after 100 cycles. In addition, the Li_1.2Mn_0.53Ni_0.13Co_0.13Sn_0.01O₂ electrode exhibits the superior rate capability with discharge capacities of 239.8, 198.6, 164.4, 133.4, and 88.8 mAh g^?1 at 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 C, respectively, which are much higher than those of Li_1.2Mn_0.54Ni_0.13Co_0.13O₂ (196.2, 153.5, 117.5, 92.7, and 43.8 mAh g^?1 at 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 C, respectively). The substitution of Sn⁴⁺ for Mn⁴⁺ enlarges the Li⁺ diffusion channels due to its larger ionic radius compared to Mn⁴⁺ and enhances the structural stability of Li-rich oxides, leading to the improved electrochemical performance in the Sn-doped Li_1.2Mn_0.54Ni_0.13Co_0.13O₂ cathode materials.     

Optical absorption and EPR spectroscopic studies of (30 − x)Li2O–xK2O–10CdO–59B2O3–1Fe2O3: An evidence for mixed alkali effect

Optical absorption and EPR spectroscopic studies were carried on (30 ? x)Li₂O–xK₂O–10CdO–59B₂O₃–1Fe₂O₃ (x = 0–30) glass system to understand the effect of progressive doping of Li⁺ ion with K⁺ ion. Optical absorption results show typical spectra of Fe³⁺ ions and the various optical parameters such as, optical band gap, Urbach energy, oxide ion polarizability, optical basicity and interaction parameter were evaluated from the experimental data. The observed optical band gap and Urbach energy values show large deviation from the linearity where as the other parameters show small deviation from the linearity with the progressive substitution of Li⁺ ions with K⁺ ions. The observed EPR spectra are representative of Fe³⁺ ion in octahedral and axial fields in the glass network. The number of paramagnetic centers and paramagnetic susceptibility values were evaluated at different resonance lines for all the specimens and these parameters show non-additive nature with the progressive substitution of Li⁺ ions with K⁺ ions in the glass network. This is first ever observation of mixed alkali effect (MAE) in EPR and optical parameters of mixed alkali borate glasses.     

Sur de nouveaux ferrites oxyfluorés d'yttrium ou de gadolinium à structure grenat

The oxyfluoride garnets of formula Y₃Fe_5?xM_xO_12?xF_x and Gd₃Fe_5?xM_xO_12?xF_x (M = 3d transition element) result from partial substitution of O^2? by F^? in Y₃Fe₅O₁₂ and Gd₃Fe₅O₁₂ oxides. The cationic charge compensation is obtained by replacing the Fe³⁺ ions by divalent ions as Mn²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺ or Zn²⁺ ions. The site occupied by some of these ions (Mn²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺) is determined by magnetic or Mössbauer measurements.     

Structural characterization and electrochemical intercalation of Li+ in layered Na0.65Ni0.5Mn0.5O2 obtained by freeze-drying method

New data on the structure and reversible lithium intercalation properties of sodium-deficient nickel–manganese oxides are provided. Novel properties of oxides determine their potential for direct use as cathode materials in lithium-ion batteries. The studies are focused on Na _x Ni_0.5Mn_0.5O₂ with x?=?2/3. Between 500 and 700 °C, new layered oxides Na_0.65Ni_0.5Mn_0.5O₂ with P3-type structure are obtained by a simple precursor method that consists in thermal decomposition of mixed sodium–nickel–manganese acetate salts obtained by freeze-drying. The structure, morphology, and oxidation state of nickel and manganese ions of Na_0.65Ni_0.5Mn_0.5O₂ are determined by powder X-ray diffraction, SEM and TEM analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The lithium intercalation in Na_0.65Ni_0.5Mn_0.5O₂ is carried out in model two-electrode lithium cells of the type Li|LiPF₆(EC:DMC)|Na_0.65Ni_0.5Mn_0.5O₂. A new structural feature of Na_0.65Ni_0.5Mn_0.5O₂ as compared with well-known O3–NaNi_0.5Mn_0.5O₂ and P2–Na_2/3Ni_1/3Mn_2/3O₂ is the development of layer stacking ensuring prismatic site occupancy for Na⁺ ions with shared face on one side and shared edges on the other side with surrounding Ni/MnO₆ octahedra. The reversible lithium intercalation in Na_0.65Ni_0.5Mn_0.5O₂ is demonstrated and discussed.     

Crystal structure, microstructure and reducibility of LaNixCo1−xO3 and LaFexCo1−xO3 Perovskites (0<x≤0.5)

Nickel and iron substituted LaCoO₃ with rhombohedrally distorted perovskite structure were obtained in the temperature range of 600-900 °C by thermal decomposition of freeze-dried citrates and by the Pechini method. The crystal structure, morphology and defective structure of LaCo_1−xNi_xO₃ and LaCo_1−xFe_xO₃ were characterized by X-ray diffraction and neutron powder diffraction, TEM and SEM analyses and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The reducibility was tested by temperature programmed reduction with hydrogen. The products of the partial and complete reduction were determined by ex-situ XRD experiments. The replacement of Co by Ni and Fe led to lattice expansion of the perovskite structure. For perovskites annealed at 900 °C, there was a random Ni, Fe and Co distribution. The morphology of the perovskites does not depend on the Ni and Fe content, nor does it depend on the type of the precursor used. LaCo_1−xNi_xO₃ perovskites (x>0.1) annealed at 900 °C are reduced to Co/Ni transition metal and La₂O₃ via the formation of oxygen deficient Brownmillerite-type compositions. For LaCo_1−xNi_xO₃ annealed at 600 °C, Co/Ni metal, in addition to oxygen-deficient perovskites, was formed as an intermediate product at the initial stage of the reduction. The interaction of LaCo_1−xFe_xO₃ with H₂ occurs by reduction of Co³⁺ to Co²⁺ prior to the Fe³⁺ ions. The reducibility of Fe-substituted perovskites is less sensitive towards the synthesis procedure in comparison with that of Ni substituted perovskites.     

The role of Li2MO2 structures (M=metal ion) in the electrochemistry of (x)LiMn0.5Ni0.5O2·(1−x)Li2TiO3 electrodes for lithium-ion batteries

The electrochemical reactions of lithium with layered composite electrodes (x)LiMn_0.5Ni_0.5O₂·(1−x)Li₂TiO₃ were investigated at low voltages. The metal oxide 0.95LiMn_0.5Ni_0.5O₂·0.05Li₂TiO₃ (x=0.95) which can also be represented in layered notation as Li(Mn_0.46Ni_0.46Ti_0.05Li_0.02)O₂, can react with one equivalent of lithium during an initial discharge from 3.2 to 1.4 V vs. Li⁰. The electrochemical reaction, which corresponds to a theoretical capacity of 286 mAh/g, is hypothesized to form Li₂(Mn_0.46Ni_0.46Ti_0.05Li_0.02)O₂ that is isostructural with Li₂MnO₂ and Li₂NiO₂. Similar low-voltage electrochemical behavior is also observed with unsubstituted, standard LiMn_0.5Ni_0.5O₂ electrodes (x=1). In situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) data of Li(Mn_0.46Ni_0.46Ti_0.05Li_0.02)O₂ electrodes indicate that the low-voltage (<1.8 V) reaction is associated primarily with the reduction of Mn⁴⁺ to Mn²⁺. Symmetric rocking-chair cells with the configuration Li(Mn_0.46Ni_0.46Ti_0.05Li_0.02)O₂/Li(Mn_0.46Ni_0.46Ti_0.05Li_0.02)O₂ were tested. These electrodes provide a rechargeable capacity in excess of 300 mAh/g when charged and discharged over a 3.3 to −3.3 V range and show an insignificant capacity loss on the initial cycle. These findings have implications for combating the capacity-loss effects at graphite, metal–alloy, or intermetallic negative electrodes against lithium metal-oxide positive electrodes of conventional lithium-ion cells.     

High-temperature X-ray diffraction study of crystallization and phase segregation on spinel-type lithium manganese oxides

To study crystallization process of spinel-type Li_1+xMn_2−xO₄, in-situ high-temperature X-ray diffraction technique (HT-XRD) was utilized for the mixture consisting of Li₂CO₃ and Mn₂O₃ as starting material in the temperature range of 25-700 °C. In-situ HT-XRD analysis directly revealed that crystallization process of Li_1+xMn_2−xO₄ was significantly affected by the difference in the Li/Mn molar ratio in the precursor. Single phase of stoichiometric LiMn₂O₄ formed at 700 °C. The formation of single phase of spinel was achieved at the lower temperature than the stoichiometric sample as Li/Mn molar ratio in the precursor increased. Lattice parameter of the stoichiometric LiMn₂O₄ at 25 °C was 8.24 Å and expanded to 8.31 Å at 700 °C, which corresponds to the approximately 3% expansion in the unit cell volume. From the slope of the lattice parameter change as a function of temperatures, linear thermal expansion coefficient of the stoichiometric LiMn₂O₄ was calculated to be 1.2×10⁻⁵ °C⁻¹ in this temperature range. When the Li/Mn molar ratio in Li_1+xMn_2−xO₄ increased (x > 0.1), the spinel phase segregated into the Li_1+yMn_2−yO₄ (x > y) and Li₂MnO₃ during heating, which involved the oxygen loss from the materials. During the cooling process from 700 °C, and the segregated phase merged into Li_1+xMn_2−xO₄ with oxygen incorporation. Such trend directly observed by in-situ HT-XRD was supported by thermal gravimetric analysis as reversible weight (oxygen) loss/gain at higher temperature (500-700 °C).     

Inducement of ferromagnetic–metallic phase and magnetoresistance behavior in charged ordered monovalent-doped Pr0.75Na0.25MnO3 manganite by Ni substitution

In this communication, the study on the effect of Ni²⁺ substitution on structural, magnetic and electrical transport properties were performed in Pr_0.75Na_0.25Mn_1-xNi_xO₃ (x = 0–0.10) ceramics synthesized using conventional solid-state method. X-ray diffraction patterns showed that all samples were present in single phase and crystallized in orthorhombic structure with Pnma space group. Rietveld refinement analysis revealed unit cell volume slight increase with increase Ni concentration, thereby indicating partial substitution of Ni²⁺ at Mn³⁺. The presence majority of Ni²⁺ states in the compound were confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectrum. Tolerance factor calculation suggested that Ni substitution exerted no strong effect on structural distortion. For un-doped sample (x = 0), AC susceptibility (χ′) against temperature (T) curve showed paramagnetic (PM)–antiferromagnetic(AFM) behavior at Neel temperature (T_N) of approximately 170 K. Furthermore, resistivity (ρ) against temperature (T) curve showed an insulating behavior for the whole measured temperature range. The χ′ against T curve of x = 0 sample showed broad peak at approximately 218 K which was attributed to the onset of charge ordered (CO) state. No such broad peak was observed in Ni-substituted samples which indicated the weakening of CO state. Moreover, χ′ measurements exhibited successful inducement of PM–FM transition with Curie temperature (T_C), decreasing from 132 K (x = 0.02) to 92 K (x = 0.08). Electrical resistivity measurement on samples (x = 0.02–0.08) displayed inducement of metal–insulator transition, where transition temperature (T_MI) decreased and resistivity increased, with x before re-entrant insulating behavior at x = 0.10. Notably, upturn resistivity was observed below 40 K for x = 0.06 and 0.08 samples. The suppression of CO state and inducement of ferromagnetic-metallic (FMM) state beginning from x = 0.02 sample was attributed to the reduced degree of Jahn–Teller distortion and Coulomb interaction among Mn ions, as well as the presence of ferromagnetic superexchange (FM SE) interaction among Ni²⁺–O–Mn⁴⁺ which improved the alignment charge carrier spins and induced the double-exchange (DE) interaction among Mn³⁺–O–Mn⁴⁺. The decrease in T_C and T_MI with increased x may be due to the enhanced AFM SE interactions of Mn³⁺–O–Mn³⁺, Mn⁴⁺–O–Mn⁴⁺ and Ni²⁺–O–Ni²⁺ which decreased the FM SE interaction of Ni²⁺–O–Mn⁴⁺. Consequently, the effective DE interaction was decreased. In addition, the decreased metallic behavior and re-entrant insulating behavior for x = 0.10 sample was due to the strong AFM interaction between Ni²⁺ ions which consequently contributed to the suppression of FM SE and DE interactions. The observed upturn resistivity below 40 K for x = 0.06 and 0.08 samples was attributed to the Kondo-like effect which resulted from the interaction between itinerant conduction electron spin and localized spin impurity.     

Variation of the composition and properties of lithium manganese oxide spinel in lithiation-delithiation cycles

The behavior of the variable-composition spinel Li_{1 + x} Mn_{2 ? x} O₄ is examined in repeated cycles consisting of lithiation in 0.2 M LiOH and delithiation in 0.3 M HNO₃. For 0 < x < 0.33, delithiation is accompanied by the redox reaction 2Mn³⁺ → Mn⁴⁺ + Mn²⁺ and Li⁺ ? H⁺ ion exchange. The spinel undergoes partial conversion into λ-□MnO₂. Vacancies (□) build up at the 8a sites of the spinel structure. Mn²⁺ ions pass into the solution, and, accordingly, the spinel dissolves. Lithiation is accompanied by the redox reaction 4Mn⁴⁺ → 3Mn³⁺ + Mn⁷⁺ and ion exchange, and the proportion of vacancies □ at the 8a sites of the spinel structure decreases. The spinel undergoes partial dissolution because of Mn²⁺ and MnO _? ⁴ ions passing into the solution. The Li⁺ selectivity of the spinel is the property of the crystallite core. The crystallite surface is capable of sorbing Na⁺ ions.     

Synthesis and phase transition of Li-Mn-O spinels with high Li/Mn ratio by thermo-decomposition of LiMnC2O4(Ac)

LiMnC₂O₄(Ac) precursor in which Li⁺ and Mn²⁺ were amalgamated in one molecule was prepared by solid-state reaction at room-temperature using manganese acetate, lithium hydroxide and oxalic acid as raw materials. By thermo-decomposition of LiMnC₂O₄(Ac) at various temperatures, a series of Li_1+y[Mn_2−xLi_x]_16dO₄ spinels were prepared with Li₂MnO₃ as impurities. The structure and phase transition of these spinels were investigated by XRD, TG/DTA, average oxidation state of Mn and cyclic voltammeric techniques. Results revealed that the Li-Mn-O spinels with high Li/Mn ratio were unstable at high temperature, and the phase transition was associated with the transfer of Li⁺ from octahedral 16c sites to 16d sites. With the sintering temperature increasing from 450 to 850 °C, the phase structure varied from lithiated-spinel Li₂Mn₂O₄ to Li₄Mn₅O₁₂-like to LiMn₂O₄-like and finally to rock-salt LiMnO₂-like. A way of determining x with average oxidation state of Mn and the content of Li₂MnO₃ was also demonstrated.     

Enzyme mimics of spinel-type CoxNi1−xFe2O4 magnetic nanomaterial for eletroctrocatalytic oxidation of hydrogen peroxide

A series of spinel-type Co_xNi_1−xFe₂O₄ (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0) magnetic nanomaterials were solvothermally synthesized as enzyme mimics for the eletroctrocatalytic oxidation of H₂O₂. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope were employed to characterize the composition, structure and morphology of the material. The electrochemical properties of spinel-type Co_xNi_1−xFe₂O₄ with different (Co/Ni) molar ratio toward H₂O₂ oxidation were investigated, and the results demonstrated that Co_0.5Ni_0.5Fe₂O₄ modified carbon paste electrode (Co_0.5Ni_0.5Fe₂O₄/CPE) possessed the best electrocatalytic activity for H₂O₂ oxidation. Under optimum conditions, the calibration curve for H₂O₂ determination on Co_0.5Ni_0.5Fe₂O₄/CPE was linear in a wide range of 1.0 × 10⁻⁸–1.0 × 10⁻³ M with low detection limit of 3.0 × 10⁻⁹ M (S/N = 3). The proposed Co_0.5Ni_0.5Fe₂O₄/CPE was also applied to the determination of H₂O₂ in commercial toothpastes with satisfactory results, indicating that Co_xNi_1−xFe₂O₄ is a promising hydrogen peroxidase mimics for the detection of H₂O₂.     

Improvement of electrochemical performance for Li-rich spherical Li1.3[Ni0.35Mn0.65]O2+x modified by Al2O3

The Li-rich Li_1.3[Ni_0.35Mn_0.65]O_2+x microspheres are firstly prepared and subsequently transferred into the Al₂O₃-coated Li-rich Li_1.3[Ni_0.35Mn_0.65]O_2+x microspheres by a simple deposition method. The as-prepared samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and charge/discharge tests. The results reveal that the Al₂O₃-coated Li-rich Li_1.3[Ni_0.35Mn_0.65]O_2+x sample has a typical α-NaFeO₂ layered structure with the existence of Li₂MnO₃-type integrated component, and the Al₂O₃ layer is uniformly coated on the surface of the spherical Li-rich Li_1.3[Ni_0.35Mn_0.65]O_2+x particles with a thickness of about 4 nm. Importantly, the Al₂O₃-coated Li-rich sample exhibits obviously improved electrochemical performance compared with the pristine one, especially the 2 wt.% Al₂O₃-coated sample shows the best electrochemical properties, which delivers an initial discharge capacity of 228 mAh g^?1 at a rate of 0.1 C in the voltage of 2.0–4.6 V, and the first coulombic efficiency is up to 90 %. Furthermore, the 2 wt.% Al₂O₃-coated sample represents excellent cycling stability with capacity retention of 90.9 % at 0.33 C after 100 cycles, much higher than that of the pristine one (62.2 %). Particularly, herein, the typical inferior rate capability of Li-rich layered cathode is apparently improved, and the 2 wt.% Al₂O₃-coated sample also shows a high rate capability, which can deliver a capacity of 101 mAh g^?1 even at 10 C. Besides, the thin Al₂O₃ layer can reduce the charge transfer resistance and stabilize the surface structure of active material during cycling, which is responsible for the improvement of electrochemical performance of the Li-rich Li_1.3[Ni_0.35Mn_0.65]O_2+x .     

Origin of the irreversible plateau (4.5 V) of Li[Li0.182Ni0.182Co0.091Mn0.545]O2 layered material

Layered LiNi_0.4Co_0.2Mn_0.4O₂, Li[Li_0.182Ni_0.182Co_0.091Mn_0.545]O₂, Li[Li_1/3Mn_2/3]O₂ powder materials were prepared by rheological phase method. XRD characterization shows that these samples all have analogous structure to LiCoO₂. Li[Li_0.182Ni_0.182Co_0.091Mn_0.545]O₂ can be considered to be the solid solution of LiNi_0.4Co_0.2Mn_0.4O₂ and Li[Li_1/3Mn_2/3]O₂. Detailed information from XRD, ex situ XPS measurement and electrochemical analysis of these three materials reveals the origin of the irreversible plateau (4.5 V) of Li[Li_0.182Ni_0.182Co_0.091Mn_0.545]O₂ electrode. The irreversible oxidation reaction occurred in the first charging above 4.5 V is ascribed to the contribution of Li[Li_1/3Mn_2/3]O₂ component, which maybe extract Li⁺ from the transition layer in Li[Li_1/3Mn_2/3]O₂ or Li[Li_0.182Ni_0.182Co_0.091Mn_0.545]O₂ through oxygen release. This step also activates Mn⁴⁺ of Li[Li_1/3Mn_2/3]O₂ or Li[Li_0.182Ni_0.182Co_0.091Mn_0.545]O₂, it can be reversibly reduced/oxidized between Mn⁴⁺ and Mn³⁺ in the subsequent cycles.     

Lithium–manganese–nickel-oxide electrodes with integrated layered–spinel structures for lithium batteries

A series of lithium–manganese–nickel-oxide compositions that can be represented in three-component notation, xLi[Mn_1.5Ni_0.5]O₄ · (1 − x){Li₂MnO₃ · Li(Mn_0.5Ni_0.5)O₂}, in which a spinel component, Li[Mn_1.5Ni_0.5]O₄, and two layered components, Li₂MnO₃ and Li(Mn_0.5Ni_0.5)O₂, are structurally integrated in a highly complex manner, have been evaluated as electrodes in lithium cells for x = 1, 0.75, 0.50, 0.25 and 0. In this series of compounds, which is defined by the Li[Mn_1.5Ni_0.5]O₄–{Li₂MnO₃ · Li(Mn_0.5Ni_0.5)O₂} tie-line in the Li[Mn_1.5Ni_0.5]O₄–Li₂MnO₃–Li(Mn_0.5Ni_0.5)O₂ phase diagram, the Mn:Ni ratio in the spinel and the combined layered Li₂MnO₃ · Li(Mn_0.5Ni_0.5)O₂ components is always 3:1. Powder X-ray diffraction patterns of the end members and the electrochemical profiles of cells with these electrodes are consistent with those expected for the spinel Li[Mn_1.5Ni_0.5]O₄ (x = 1) and for ‘composite’ Li₂MnO₃ · Li(Mn_0.5Ni_0.5)O₂ layered electrode structures (x = 0). Electrodes with intermediate values of x exhibit both spinel and layered character and yield extremely high capacities, reaching more than 250 mA h/g with good cycling stability between 2.0 V and 4.95 V vs. Li° at a current rate of 0.1 mA/cm².     

High-temperature neutron diffraction study of the cation ordered perovskites TbBaMn2O5+x and TbBaMn2O5.5−y

The miscibility of TbBaMn₂O_5+x and TbBaMn₂O_5.5−y has been investigated at 100-600 °C using in situ powder neutron diffraction. No miscibility is observed, and the two phases remain oxygen stoichiometric (x,y=0) at 600 °C. Structure refinement results show that neither material undergoes a phase transition in this temperature range. TbBaMn₂O₅ is Mn²⁺/Mn³⁺ charge ordered and any charge melting transition is >600 °C. This symmetry-broken charge ordering is remarkably robust in comparison to that in other oxides.