Synthesis of spinel LiMn2O4 powders by the drip pyrolysis in fluidized bed reactor

A simple technique has been developed to directly produce fine ceramics powders from liquid solution by drip pyrolysis in a fluidized bed reactor. Using this technique, the preparation of lithium manganese oxides LiMn2O4, which are the most promising cathode materials for lithium ion battery, has been carried out for various superficial gas velocities U-0 = 0.30-0.91 m/s, concentrations of precursor solution C-0 = 0.45-4.50 mol/dm(3) and static bed heights L = 50-150 mm. The as-prepared samples exhibited a pure cubic spinet structure without any impurities in the XRD patterns, and the chemical composition of as-prepared powders showed in a good agreement with the one of precursor solution. The as-prepared sample was used as cathode active materials for lithium-ion battery and their charge/ discharge properties have been investigated. Test experiments in the electrochemical cell Li/1M LiClO4, in PC/LiMn2O4 demonstrated that the sample, prepared by the drip pyrolysis method and then calciend at 750 degrees C for 4 h in the air, was a promising cathode material for 4 V lithium-ion batteries.