Microwave synthesis of lithium battery cathode materials

The use of microwave irradiation in the synthesis of electroceramics such as those applied in battery and fuel cell technologies is a very recent development. Currently on a laboratory scale, this technique offers advantages in terms of speed, energy efficiency, and the potential for new materials and microstructures. This paper presents results from a feasibility study into microwave synthesis of some electrochemically active spinel stoichiometries, using an unmodified domestic microwave oven. Although much work has been reported about these materials, they are still of interest for potential use in lithium-ion batteries as a cheap and less toxic alternative to LiCoO2. Synthesis of Li1.025Mn1.975O4 Was found to be greatly accelerated by microwave heating, even at low powers. The addition of fluorine during synthesis at high power had a profound effect on the reaction rate and resultant particle shape and size. Samples produced using low power from gamma-MnOOH showed unusual needle-like particle morphologies reminiscent of a chimie-douce process.