Electrochemical studies of Li-ion extraction and insertion of LiMn2O4 single crystal

A single crystal of LiMn2O4 (similar to 35 X 20 X 12 mum) was prepared by a flux method. The electrochemical properties of this material were investig ated in a 1 M LiClO4/propylene carbonate + ethylene carbonate solution usin g a microelectrode technique. A Pt microfilament was brought into contact w ith the single crystal, and cyclic voltammetry and potential step chronoamp erometry measurements were successfully performed on this electrode. The si ngle crystal of LiMn2O4 exhibited reversible behavior during the Li-ion ext raction/insertion. A new peak was observed at 3.86 V vs. Li/Li+ which was n ot clearly reported so far on polycrystalline of LiMn2O4. The chemical diff usion coefficient of Li-ion into the LiMn2O4 crystal was estimated to be 10 (-11) cm(2)/s. (C) 2001 The Electrochemical Society.