Synthesis and Electrochemical Properties of Pr3+-doped LiPrxMn2-xO4 Spinel

Praseodymium doped spinel LiPrxMn2-xO4 with single phase was synthesized by Sol-gel route. Its structure and electrochemical properties were studied by XRD, XPS and electrochemical measurements. The results show that when the doped Pr content is low (x <= 0.02), the obtained product can maintain the whole spinel structure and exhibit excellent electrochemical properties. Pr3+ doping increases the cycle stability of the material greatly, which results from its stabilization for the spinel structure. The electrode of LiPr0.02Mn1.98O4 shows optimal electrochemical properties with a first discharge capacity of 118 mAh.g(-1) and 98% of the initial capacity after 100 cycles at the current rate of 0.2 C. As cathode material of lithium-ion battery, this praseodymium doped spinel material is one of the most promising substitutes for LiCoO2.