Effect of Al-doping on the electrochemical properties of a three-dimensionally porous lithium manganese oxide for lithium-ion batteries

In this work, three-dimensionally porous spinel-type lithium manganese oxides were prepared by a phase-inversion technology using poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) as the template and followed by annealing at a high temperature. The morphology was observed on scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, and the crystal structure was determined from the X-ray diffraction pattern. Effect of Al-doping on the electrochemical properties of the product was studied by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge measurements. LiAl0.1 Mn1.9O4 (LAMO) displays better rate and cycling capabilities than the pristine LiMn2O4 (LMO) at room temperature. It also exhibits an enhanced cycling performance at 55 degrees C due to doping with Al. The results suggest that the obtained LAMO could develop into a promising cathode material for lithium-ion batteries. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.