Stabilized Lithium Manganese Oxide Spinel Cathode for High Power Li-Ion Batteries

70892B02-II Lithium Manganese Oxide (LiMn2O4) is one of the most promising cathode materials for high-power Li-ion batteries because of its cost, safety, and environmental advantages over other materials. However, its lack of stability in Li-ion cells at high temperatures is well known and has limited its commercial use. This project will develop a novel, low cost concept for stabilizing LiMn2O4. The concept will be implemented in a treatment process for potential scale-up and use in a safe, low cost, high-power Li-ion battery system for multiple applications, including electric and hybrid electric vehicles. During Phase I, the novel stabilization concept was demonstrated to be valid. The materials that were synthesized and characterized exhibited much greater capacity retention at elevated temperatures in full Li-ion cells with carbon anodes. In addition, the new materials had similar capacity, high-rate capability, and safety when compared to the standard lithium manganese oxide cathode. During Phase II, the parameters controlling the stabilization process will be investigated in detail. The results will be used to scale up for the production of tens of kilograms of uniform material, which will be evaluated in full cells, by several battery manufacturers interested in Li-ion cell applications. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: A stabilized, LiMn2O4 spinel cathode material in a Li-ion battery system would solve several problems (including cost, safety, and calendar life) that currently limit the use of Li-ion batteries in applications requiring large and/or high-power energy sources. In addition to the automotive industry, potential applications include the telecommunications market with its increasing demand for uninterruptible power sources, base stations, and satellite technology; and the military with respect to the development of HEVs, portable power for the modern soldier, and pulse power for advanced weapons.