STRUCTURAL STABILITY OF LIMN2O4 ELECTRODES FOR LITHIUM BATTERIES

The structural stability of LiMn2O4, which is of interest as an insert ion electrode for rechargeable lithium batteries, is discussed with re spect to processing techniques, composition, Li-Mn-O phase diagram, an d electrochemical behavior. Particular attention is paid to processing conditions that result in the formation of lithium-manganese-oxide sp inel products in which Mn2+ ions partially occupy the tetrahedral site s of the spinel structure. The electrochemical behavior of electron-be am and r.f. magnetron sputtered thin-film electrodes suggests the exis tence of partially inverse Li1-xMn2O4 spinel structures during an init ial charge to 5.3 V. (C) 1997 Published by Elsevier Science S.A.