Synthesis of LixMnOy•nH2O birnessite oxide by the hydrothermal method

Layered sodium and lithium manganese oxides were prepared by using a hydrothermal procedure involving a xerogel containing manganese in oxidation state IV. The product, thus, obtained possesses a birnessite-like structure with a crystallite size of 10-30 mum. Preliminary galvanostatic cycling tests on a Li/LiClO4/Li0.33MnO1.95.0.6H(2)O cell conducted in the potential window 4.2-2.0 V revealed a yielded capacity of 145 A h/kg at a C/20 rate. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V All rights reserved.