VOx-coated LiMn2O4 nanorod clusters for lithium battery cathode materials

VO(x)-coated LiMn(2)O(4) spinel nanorod clusters as a lithium battery cathode material are prepared by mixing OV( CH(3)H(7))(3) dissolved in ethanol and LiMn(2)O(4) powder consisting of nanorod clusters and firing this mixture at 700 degrees C. In the coated spinel, the V atoms are distributed within similar to 30 nm of the particle surface without showing any coating layer, indicating the possible formation of a solid solution ( LiMn(2-x)V(x)O(4)). The coated nanorod clusters exhibit a comparable rate capability to an uncoated counterpart, showing a discharge capacity of 117 mAh g(-1) at a rate of 7 C (=1400 mA g(-1)), which corresponds to 89% of the capacity retention ratio at room temperature. Further, the coated cathode exhibits excellent structural stability in storage at 80 degrees C for 24h; a significantly decreased amount of Mn dissolution ( 60 ppm) is observed, in contrast to that of an uncoated counterpart ( 5000 ppm).