A facile precipitation-freeze drying route synthesis of prismatic-like LiMn2O4 with improved electrochemical performance

Prismatic-like LiMn2O4 (LMO-P) cathode material was successfully synthesized via precipitation-freeze drying route. Polyethylene glycol 20000 (PEG 20000) was used as a surfactant. Physical and electrochemical performances of prismatic-like LiMn2O4 were investigated. The results confirm that prismatic-like LiMn2O4 exhibited better electrochemical performance: the discharge capacities were 125.8 (0.1 C), 116.7 (0.5 C), 110.7 (1.0 C), 103.5 (2.0 C), 93.1 (5.0 C), and 75.3 (10 C) mAh g−1, respectively. The capacity was 90.2 mAh g−1 at 2.0 C-rate over 500 cycles with capacity retention of 87.1%. Prismatic-like LiMn2O4 had a high discharge capacity, outstanding rate performance, and stability. It is concluded that the facile precipitation-freeze drying route with PEG 20000 as surfactant is a promising route for preparation of LiMn2O4.