Electrochemical properties of boron-doped LiMn₂O₄ nanoparticles covered with glass material prepared by high-temperature flame spray pyrolysis

Lithium boron oxide (LBO) glass-modified LiMn₂O₄ nanoparticles are prepared by high-temperature flame spray pyrolysis. The mean sizes of the pure and 5 wt% glass-modified LiMn₂O₄ powders are 125 and 175 nm, respectively. In addition, their mean crystallite sizes are 62 and 82 nm, respectively. At a high operating temperature of 60°C and a current density of 1 C, the discharge capacity of the pure LiMn₂O₄ powders decreases from 143 to 93 mAh g^-1 after 100 cycles, with the capacity retention at 65% of the initial capacity. However, the discharge capacity of the 5 wt% glass-modified LiMn₂O₄ powders decreases from 123 to 106 mAh ^-1 after 100 cycles, with the capacity retention at 86% of the initial capacity. The LBO glass material covering the LiMn2O4 powders improves their electrochemical properties by decreasing their reactivity with acidic electrolytes. Moreover, the high crystallinity and stabilization effect of boron doping in the spinel structure improves the electrochemical properties of the LBO glass-modified LiMn₂O₄ powders.