Stable, High Voltage Li0.85Ni0.46Cu0.1Mn1.49O4 Spinel Cathode in a Lithium-Ion Battery Using a Conversion-Type CuO Anode

We report in this work a copper-doped Li0.85Ni0.46Cu0.1Mn1.49O4 spinel-structured compound prepared by an easy, two-steps coprecipitation and solid state process and used in a lithium-ion battery in combination with a CuO-based anode. We show that the spinel-type cathode adopts unique morphology, characterized by well-developed, crystalline and aggregated microparticles, that considerably reduces the occurrence of side reactions. This cathode material can operate in a lithium cell at voltages as high as 5.3 V without sign of electrolyte decomposition, delivering a capacity of about 100 mA h g–1 with high retention and high Coulombic efficiency over prolonged cycling. The combination of the Li0.85Ni0.46Cu0.1Mn1.49O4 cathode with a conversion-type, CuO–MCMB anode results in a new type of lithium ion battery characterized by a voltage value of 3.4 V, a stable capacity of 100 mA h g–1 and a high Coulombic efficiency (exceeding 95%). Expected low cost, safety, and environmental compatibility are additional advantages of the lithium-ion cell reported here.