Synthesis of Li-Mn-O mesocrystals with controlled crystal phases through topotactic transformation of MnCO3

Mesocrystals of Li-Mn-O compounds, such as LiMn2O4, Li2MnO3, and LiMnO2-Li2MnO3, consisting of oriented nanoscale units were selectively produced under hydrothermal conditions from biomimetically prepared MnCO3 mesocrystals. Topotactic transformation through the intermediate phase of Mn5O8 inheriting a hierarchical structure of the MnCO3 precursor was essential for the formation of the mesocrystal compounds. The crystal phases were successfully controlled by varying the conditions for the hydrothermal reactions. The Li-Mn-O mesocrystals have considerable potential as cathodes of Li-ion batteries.