Nanoparticle–Nanorod Core–Shell LiNi[sub 0.5]Mn[sub 1.5]O[sub 4] Spinel Cathodes with High Energy Density for Li-Ion Batteries

Nanoparticle–nanorod core–shell LiNi 0.5 Mn 1.5 O 4 spinel cathodes for Li-ion batteries were prepared using a hollow MnO 2 precursor. The core and shell parts consisted of nanoparticle ( ∼ 100 nm ) and nanorod assemblies, respectively. The core–shell cathode exhibited greatly improved discharge capacities compared to nanoparticles prepared by a sol–gel method. The core–shell spinel exhibited discharge capacities of 121 and 100 mAh/g at 0.1C and 7C rates, respectively, whereas a spinel cathode prepared by a sol–gel method exhibited 99 and 80 mAh/g at those respective rates. In addition, the core–shell spinels demonstrated an energy density value that was enhanced by 52% to 1.6 Wh / cm 3 compared to an analogous sample prepared by a sol–gel method, which showed a value of 0.9 Wh / cm 3 .