Thermal stability of Li2MnO3: from localized defects to the spinel phase

The thermal stability of Li2MnO3 has been investigated by the means of coupled differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetric analysis associated with powder X ray diffraction. Various experiments performed in air and in argon allowed us to propose a mechanism of spinel-type defects formation in intergrowth with Li2MnO3 when treated in air above 900 degrees C. The fidelity of the DIFFaX simulations performed led to the understanding of the influence of the existence of spinel type defects intergrowth on X ray and electron diffraction patterns. The formation of these defects occurs during cooling and is preceded by the formation of LiMnO2 defects in heating. With sufficiently long thermal treatments, defects expand such that a spinel type phase can be observed after cooling.