Dynamic Structure Evolution of Extensively Delithiated High Voltage Spinel Li1+xNi0.5Mn1.5O4 x < 1.5

High voltage spinel is one of the most promising nextgeneration cobalt-free cathode materials for lithium ion battery applications. Besides the typically utilized compositional range of LixNi(0.5)Mn(1.5)O(4) 0 < x < 1 in the voltage window of 4.90-3.00 V, additional 1.5 mol of Li per formula unit can be introduced into the structure, in an extended voltage range to 1.50 V. Theoretically, this leads to significant increase of the specific energy from 690 to 1190 Wh/kg. However, utilization of the extended potential window leads to rapid capacity fading and voltage polarization that lack a comprehensive explanation. In this work, we conducted potentiostatic entropymetry, operando XRD and neutron diffraction on the ordered stoichiometric spinel LixNi0.5Mn1.5O4 within 0 < x < 2.5 in order to understand the dynamic structure evolution and correlate it with the voltage profile. During the two-phase reaction from cubic (x < 1) to tetragonal (x > 1) phase at similar to 2.8 V, we identified the evolution of a second tetragonal phase with x > 2. The structural evaluation during the delithiation indicates the formation of an intermediate phase with cubic symmetry at a lithium content of x = 1.5. Evaluation of neutron diffraction data, with maximum entropy method, of the highly lithiated phase LixNi0.5Mn1.5O4 with 2 < x < 2.5 strongly suggests that lithium ions are located on octahedral 8a and tetrahedral 4a positions of the distorted tetragonal phase I4(1)amd. Consequently, we were able to provide a conclusive explanation for the additional voltage step at 2.10 V, the sloping voltage profile below 1.80 V, and the additional voltage step at similar to 3.80 V.

Automated summary

This study investigates the dynamic evolution of the structure of high voltage spinel material LixNi0.5Mn1.5O4 using potentiostatic entropymetry, operando XRD, and neutron diffraction. The research reveals the distribution of lithium ions in the structure and provides explanations for the changes in battery performance.