Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 February 2011
Partial substitution of Mn in lithium manganese oxide spinel materials by Cu and Ni greatly affects the electrochemistry and the cycle life characteristics of the cathode. Substitution with either metal or a combination of both shortens the 4.2 V plateau associated with the conversion of Mn3+ to Mn4+. A higher voltage plateau associated with oxidation of the substituted transition element is also observed. These substituent also significantly alter the onset of Jahn Teller distortions in the 3 V plateau. Synchrotron based in situ x-ray absorption (XAS) is used to determine the exact nature of the oxidation state changes in order to explain the overall capacities at the different voltage plateaus. Synchrotron based in situ x-ray diffraction (XRD) studies on LiCu0.5Mn1.504 shows single phase behavior in the 4-5 V region and a good cycle life. Lower cycle life characteristics for LiNi0.5Mn1.504 and LiNi0.25Cu0.25Mn1.504 are accounted for on the basis of several phase coexistence in this potential region. In the 3 V plateau however, the LiCu0.5Mn1.504 shows onset of the Jahn Teller distortions, in contrast to the LiNi0.5Mn1.504 and LNi0.25Cu0.25WMn1.504.