title: Microwave-assisted synthesis of high-voltage nanostructured LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 spinel: tuning the Mn3+ content and electrochemical performance.
abstract: The LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 spinel is an important lithium ion battery cathode material that has continued to receive major research attention because of its high operating voltage (∼4.8 V). This study interrogates the impact of microwave irradiation on the Mn(3+) concentration and electrochemistry of the LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 spinel. It is shown that microwave is capable of tuning the Mn(3+) content of the spinel for enhanced electrochemical performance (high capacity, high capacity retention, excellent rate capability, and fast Li(+) insertion/extraction kinetics). This finding promises to revolutionize the application of microwave irradiation for improved performance of the LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 spinel, especially in high rate applications.
authors.affiliation: Energy Materials, Materials Science and Manufacturing, Council for Scientific & Industrial Research, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
authors.forename: Charl J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Jafta
authors.forename: Mkhulu K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Mathe
authors.forename: Ncholu
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Manyala
authors.forename: Wiets D
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Roos
authors.forename: Kenneth I
authors.initials: KI
authors.lastname: Ozoemena