Nano-sized LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ cathode powders with good electrochemical properties prepared by high temperature flame spray pyrolysis

LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ cathode powders with a mean particle size of 140nm are prepared by high-temperature flame spray pyrolysis. Li/LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ cells show two plateaus at approximately 4.1 and 4.7V during discharge, irrespective of any excess of the lithium component in the spray solution, although the 4.1V plateau decreases when the spray solution contained 20% excess lithium. The discharge capacity of the powder prepared from a spray solution with 20% excess lithium decreases from 133 to 126mAhg^-1 by the 50th cycle at a current density of 0.1C, which is a capacity retention of 95%.