Sub-micrometer-sized LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 spheres as high rate cathode materials for long-life lithium ion batteries

Spinel LiMn 1.5 Ni 0.5 O 4 (LMNO) sub-micrometer-sized spheres were prepared in one step using porous MnCO 3 microspheres as a self-supporting template. The LMNO spheres were characterized by XRD , SEM and TEM. The obtained LMNO was in a well-crystallized cubic phase with little impurity. It showed high rate capability and excellent cycling stability as a cathode material for lithium ion batteries . Initial discharge capacities of 122.0, 120.3, 119.5 and 112.1   mAh   g −   1 were found at 2, 3, 5 and 10C respectively with 1C being 146.7   mA   g −   1 . Their capacity retentions are 92, 91, 82 and 79% respectively after 500   cycles. The as-prepared LMNO is a promising cathode material for high power and long-life lithium ion batteries .