Spinel cathodes for advanced lithium ion batteries: a review of challenges and recent progress

Spinel-structured LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 displays a high working voltage plateau of about 4.7 V. It is an attractive cathode material for next-generation lithium ion batteries. However, its pace of commercialisation is hindered by poor cycle performance and inferior rate capability. A lot of researches related to this material have been carried out. This paper presents a review of recent advances, including the structure and electrochemical properties of ordered and disordered spinels. Issues concerning capacity fade and limited rate capability such as surface side reaction, Jahn-Teller distortion and intrinsic poor conductivities, which are challenges for their utilisation in commercial lithium ion batteries will be addressed and recent developments highlighted. Owing to such advances, spinel oxides have a bright future.