The effect of electrode thickness on electrochemical performance of LiMn2O4 cathode synthesized by modified sol–gel method

A lithium manganese oxide of spinel structure (LiMn2O4) has been successfully synthesised by modified sol–gel method. Two complexing agents — citric acid and acetic acid — have been utilized in order to enable a better complexing of reactants and thus better stability of reaction mixture. It results in a highly homogenous powder with satisfactory electrochemical properties. The charge/discharge tests have revealed a strong dependence of specific discharge capacities on electrode thickness. The thinnest electrodes show the lowest capacity drop while raising the discharge current from 1 C to 30 C. Based on the absolute magnitude of capacity revealed by cells, the maximum specific capacity when discharged at 30 C revealed the cathode with 0.83 mg cm− 2 loading. As a result the electrode with 0.83 mg cm− 2 cathode loading possesses the best properties for construction of a high rate performance battery.