Changes in the microstructure of Li3.1Mn0.91Cr1.09O4 cathode materials have
been studied with cycled electrodes at 21 or 55 degreesC. During cycling,
the structure of Li3.1Mn0.91Cr1.09O4 maintained its original hexagonal symm
etry. However, a decreased peak intensity ratio of 003 to 104 with little l
attice-constant shifts was observed. These are due to increased cation-mixi
ng and dissolution of Mn3+ ions in the electrolyte, thus leading to structu
ral degradation of the material. Hence, the cathode exhibited a specific di
scharge capacity decay of 29% from its initial capacity (220 mAh/g) after 6
0 cycles between 4.5 and 2 V with a 0.1 C rate at 21 degreesC. (C) 2001 Els
evier Science BN. All rights reserved.