Highly homogeneous spinel Li.sub.1+X Mn.sub.2-X O.sub.4 intercalation compounds and method for preparing same

摘要

A novel method of preparing a spinel Li.sub.1+X Mn.sub.2-X O. sub.4 intercalation compound with low lattice distortion and a highly ordered and homogeneous structure for 4 V secondary lithium and lithium ion cells is provided. The method of preparing the spinel Li.sub.1+X Mn. sub. 2-X O. sub.4 intercalation compound comprises mixing at least one manganese compound with at least one lithium compound and firing the mixture at three different temperature ranges with corresponding gas flow rates to form the spinel Li.sub.1+X Mn.sub.2-X O.sub.4 intercalation compounds. The spinel Li.sub.1+X Mn.sub.2-X O.sub.4 intercalation compounds have a mean X value of between about 0.01 and 0. 05 and a full width at half maximum of the x-ray diffraction peaks at a diffraction angle 2 of planes (400) and (440) using CuK. sub.1 rays of between about 0.10. degree. and 0.15. The spinel Li. sub.1+X Mn.sub. 2-X O.sub.4 intercalation compounds may be used in the positive electrodes of secondary lithium and lithium ion cells to provide cells having high specific capacities and long cycling lives.