In-Situ X-Ray Characterization of LiMn2O4: A Comparison of Structural and Electrochemical Behavior

Abstract

ABSTRACTLixMn2O4 materials are of considerable interest in battery research and development. The crystal structure of this material can significantly affect the electrochemical performance. The ability to monitor the changes of the crystal structure during use, that is during electrochemical cycling, would prove useful to verify these types of structural changes. We report in-situ XRD measurements of LiMn2O4 cathodes with the use of an electrochemical cell designed for in-situ X-ray analysis. Cells prepared using this cell design allow investigation of the changes in the LiMn2O4 structure during charge and discharge. We describe the variation in lattice parameters along the voltage plateaus and consider the structural changes in terms of the electrochemical results on each cell. Kinetic effects of LiMn2O4 phase changes are also addressed. Applications of the in-situ cell to other compounds such as LiCoO2 cathodes and carbon anodes are presented as well.