Nanocomposite Li- and Mn-rich spinel cathodes characterized with a green, aqueous binder system

There is a growing need for alternatives to commercialized high-energy–density cathodes for Li-ion batteries with chemistries less dependent on Co and Ni and, in the past decade, particular attention has been placed on Li- and Mn- rich cathodes. Herein we report synthesis and characterization of Li- and Mn-rich cathode active materials (CAMs) with spinel-based nanocomposite structure having stoichiometries LixMn1.5Ni0.5O4 (x = 0.45–1.50) synthesized via liquid-feed flame spray pyrolysis. When cycled from 4.9 to 2.4 V, LixMn1.5Ni0.5O4 (x = 1.26, 1.50) exhibited energy densities greater than 1000 Wh kgCAM-1 using a green, aqueous binder system. Increasing initial Li content results in larger 1st charge capacity, which can potentially serve as a Li donor to irreversible, Li-consuming solid electrolyte interphase formation in next generation anode active materials.