EDTA Assisted Synthesis and Electrochemical Performance of Li2MnSiO4/C Nanocomposite as a Cathode Material for Lithium Ion Btteries

Li2MnSiO4/C nanospheres were prepared by combining the sol-gel and solvothermal processing using ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) as a chelating agent. After calcined under Ar atmosphere at 700 degrees C, the (Li, Mn, Si)precursor complexed by EDTA transformed into Li2MnSiO4/C nanocomposite particles approximately 50 nm in diameter. The initial charge and discharge specific capacities of the sample are 223 and 140 mAh.g(-1) at a current density of 33 mA.g(-1) (0.1C), respectively, and fifth discharge specific capacity can be achieved 138 mAh.g(-1). The discharge specific capacity still is stabilized at around 80 mAh.g(-1) at a current density of 66 mA.g(-1) (0.2C) after 20 cycles. These results indicate that EDTA can prevent secondary crystalline phase of forming during calcinations. Such well-dispersed nano-powder exhibits improved cycleability for Li2MnSiO4 cathode.