Synthesis methods and electrochemical performance: A theory on the valence disproportionation in LiMyMn2-yO4 (M = Mn, Co) with interalia guiding principles for a photo-chargeable lithium battery

Abstract

A physical model, based on valence disproportionation and the electronic instability imposed by the Jahn-Teller condition, is used as a general approach to explain the differences in the electrochemical activities of LiMn 2O4 based cathode materials synthesized through different methods. Furthermore, the models also provide interalia insights for a photo-chargeable lithium battery and a physical ansatz to address a fundamental inefficiency problem: the deviation of the experimentally observed electrochemical capacity for LiMn2O4 (∼126 mAhg -1) from the theoretical value (147 mAhg-1). © 2013 American Chemical Society.