Synthesis and characterization of LiMn2O4 powders by the combustion-assisted sol–gel technique

LiMn2O4 powders were prepared by heating the ignited LiMn2O4 precursor gel using lithium acetate, manganese acetate, citric acid and glycol as starting materials. The influence of synthesis conditions on the structural and electrochemical properties of LiMn2O4 was investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and charge–discharge experiments. The powders prepared under different conditions are of good crystallinity. The particle size, lattice parameter and the discharge capacity of LiMn2O4 powders increase with the increase of calcination temperature and calcination time. Except for the powder calcined at 750 °C for 1 h, the powders prepared under other conditions show similar cycling behavior.