In addition to containing inexpensive materials, the three-dimensional structure of LiMn2O4 lends itself to high rate capability by providing a well connected framework for the insertion and de-insertion of Li+ ions during discharge and charge of the battery.
[2][3] As a consequence of this structural arrangement, batteries based on LiMn2O4 cathodes have demonstrated a higher rate-capability compared to materials with two-dimensional frameworks for Li+ diffusion.
[7] Although Li2MnO3 is electrochemically inactive, it can be charged to a high potential (4.5 V v.s Li0) in order to undergo lithiation/de-lithiation or delithiated using an acid leaching process followed by mild heat treatment.
[8][9] However, extracting lithium from Li2MnO3 at such a high potential can also be charge compensated by loss of oxygen from the electrode surface which leads to poor cycling stability.
The distortions and deviation from truly planar metal oxide layers are a manifestation of the electronic configuration of the Mn(III) Jahn-Teller ion.