Spinel LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 and its derivatives as cathodes for high-voltage Li-ion batteries

The spinel material LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ displays a remarkable property of high charge/discharge voltage plateau at around 4.7 V. It is a promising cathode material for new-generation lithium-ion batteries with high voltage. Recently, a lot of researches related to this material have been carried out. In this review we present a summary of these researches, including the structure, the mechanism of high voltage, and the latest developments in improving its electrochemical properties like rate ability and cycle performance at elevated temperature, etc. Doping element and synthesizing nanoscale material are effective ways to improve its rate ability. The novel battery systems, like LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄/Li₅Ti₄O₁₂ with good electrochemical properties, are also in progress.