Synthesis of LiMn2O4 nanostructures with controlled morphology

Materials with nanosized dimensions exhibit different and interesting properties compared with their bulk counterpart, which is broadly applicable in several fields, including Li-ion batteries. These properties are intimately related to the morphological, compositional, and topographic features of the nanostructures, which are strongly dependent on the methods used to synthesize nanoparticles. Herein we present the synthesis of LiMn2O4 nanoparticles with controlled morphology by a thermal decomposition method of organometallic precursors followed by thermal treatment in air. The crystal structure, chemical composition, and morphology of the samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction, and electron energy-loss spectroscopy. By adjusting the reflux temperature and atmosphere we obtained nanoparticles and hollow nanostructures, while core-shell LiMn2O4/Li2O nanoparticles were obtained by adding a thermal decomposition stage.