Research progress in high voltage spinel LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 material

Lithium-ion batteries are now considered to be the technology of choice for future hybrid electric and full electric vehicles to address global warming. LiCoO₂ has been the most widely used cathode material in commercial lithium-ion batteries. Since LiCoO₂ has economic and environmental issues, intensive research has been directed towards the development of alternative low cost, environmentally friendly cathode materials as possible replacement of LiCoO₂. Among them, spinel LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ material is one of the promising and attractive cathode materials for next generation lithium-ion batteries because of its high voltage (4.7 V), acceptable stability, and good cycling performance. Research advances in high voltage spinel LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ are reviewed in this paper. Developments in synthesis, structural characterization, effect of doping, and effect of coating are presented. In addition to conventional synthesis methods, several alternative synthesis methods are also summarized. Apart from battery performance, the application of spinel LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ material in asymmetric supercapacitors is also discussed.