Characterization of sol-gel LiMn2O4 spinel phase

Lithium manganese spinel Li1+yMn2-yO4 (0.0 less than or equal to y less tha n or equal to 0.07) synthesized by the sol-gel process is studied with a fo cus on the effects of the changes of formation conditions which can sensibl y determine the mean crystallite size from a few nanometers to several hund red nanometers. Changes of stoichiometry and abundance of the spinel phase can be observed in the 573 less than or equal to T-A (K) less than or equal to 1073 range of annealing temperature (T-A). Comparing spinel phases obta ined by sol-gel and solid state synthesis evidences the correlation among c omposition, structure, and electric and magnetic properties. (C) 1999 Acade mic Press.