Facile solid-state synthesis of Li2MnSiO4/C nanocomposite as a superior cathode with a long cycle life

• Published in: Journal of power sources Vol. 231; pp. 39 - 43
• Main Authors: Liu, Jing, Xu, Huayun, Jiang, Xiaolei, Yang, Jian, Qian, Yitai
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.06.2013; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Citric acid; Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells; Exact sciences and technology; Long cycle life; Nanocomposite; Solid-state reaction; Solid-state reaction; Nanocomposite; Long cycle life; Citric acid; Performance evaluation; Particle size; Electronic conductivity; Cathode; Nanoparticle; Coatings; Carbon; Layer thickness; Reversible capacity; Coated material; Crystalline material; Electrochemical properties; Solid state reaction; Nanostructured materials; Specific capacity; Room temperature; Low temperature
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2012.12.071

The Li2MnSiO4/C nanocomposite has been successfully synthesized at a relatively low temperature of 650 °C by a facile solid-state reaction using citric acid as the carbon source. The highly crystalline Li2MnSiO4 nanoparticles in the size of 20–50 nm are coated by a uniform carbon layer in a thickness of 2–5 nm. At a rate of 0.05 C, the Li2MnSiO4/C nanocomposite exhibits a discharge specific capacity as high as 268 mAh g−1 for the first cycle and a reversible capacity of about 136 mAh g−1 after 140 cycles at room temperature. Meanwhile, an improved rate performance is achieved by the Li2MnSiO4/C nanocomposite. These superior electrochemical properties could be attributed to the nanoscale particle size and the enhanced electronic conductivity. [Display omitted] ► Li2MnSiO4/C nanocomposite is synthesized by a facile solid-state reaction. ► The typical size of Li2MnSiO4 nanoparticles is in the range of 20–50 nm ► The nanocomposite exhibits a discharge capacity of 136 mAh g−1 after 140 cycles. ► The nanocomposite also shows a greatly improved rate performance.