Lithium‐Ion‐Transfer Kinetics of Single LiMn2O4 Particles

A stochastic investigation of lithium deinsertion from individual 200‐nm‐sized particles of LiMn₂O₄ reveals the rate‐determining step at high overpotentials to be the transfer of the cation across the particle–electrolyte interface. Measurement of the (electro)chemical behavior of the spinel is undertaken without forming a conductive composite electrode. The kinetics of the interfacial ion transfer defines a theoretical upper limit for the discharge rates of batteries using LiMn₂O₄ in an aqueous environment.