A novel approach to synthesize lithium ion battery spinel cathode materials

Spinel LiMn₂O₄ and LiMg_0.2Mn_1.8O₄ have been synthesized by a soft chemistry method using citric acid as the chelating agent and acryl amide as the gelling agent. This technique offers better homogeneity, preferred surface morphology, reduced heat treatment conditions, sub-micron-sized particles, and better crystallinity. The synthesized spinel materials are characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and charge–discharge studies.