Synthesis and characterization of Nd doped LiMn2O4 cathode for Li-ion rechargeable batteries

Spinel powders of LiMn1.99Nd0.01O4 have been synthesized by chemical synthesis route to prepare cathodes for Li-ion coin cells. The structural and electrochemical properties of these cathodes were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and charge-discharge studies. The cyclic voltammetry of the cathodes revealed the reversible nature of Li-ion intercalation and deintercalation in the electrochemical cell. The charge-discharge characteristics for LiMn1.99Nd0.01O4 cathode materials were obtained in 3.4–4.3 V voltage range and the initial discharge capacity of this material were found to be about 149 mAh g−1. The coin cells were tested for up to 25 charge-discharge cycles. The results show that by doping with small concentration of rare-earth element Nd, the capacity fading is considerably reduced as compared to the pure LiMn2O4 cathodes, making it suitable for Li-ion battery applications.