Size controlled synthesis of Li₂MnSiO₄ nanoparticles: Effect of calcination temperature and carbon content for high performance lithium batteries

Size controlled, nanoparticulate Li₂MnSiO₄ cathodes were successfully prepared by sol-gel route. Effects of calcination temperature and carbon content (adipic acid) were studied during synthesis process. EPR study was conducted to ensure the formation of phase through oxidation state of manganese. Microscopic pictures indicate spherical shape morphology of the synthesized Li₂MnSiO₄ nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopic pictures confirmed the presence of carbon coating on the surface of the particles. Further, the optimization has been performed based on phase purity and its battery performance. From the optimization, 700°C and 0.2mol adipic acid (against total metal ion present in the compound) were found better conditions to achieve high performance material. The Li₂MnSiO₄ nanoparticles prepared in the aforementioned conditions exhibited an initial discharge capacity of ∼113mAhg^-1 at room temperature in Li/1M LiPF₆ in EC:DMC/Li₂MnSiO₄ cell configuration. All the Li₂MnSiO₄ nanoparticles prepared at various conditions experienced the capacity fade during cycling.