Substitution effects on the bulk and surface properties of (Li,Ni)Mn2O4

Manganese oxides of spinel structure, LiMn2O4, Li1-xNixMn2O4 (0.25 ≤ x≤ 0.75), and NiMn2O4, were studied by EDS, XRD, SEM, magnetic (M-H, M-T), and XPS measurements. The samples were synthesized by an ultrasoundassisted sol-gel method. EDS analysis showed good agreement with the formulations of the oxides. XRD and Rietveld refinement of X-ray data indicate that all samples crystallize in the Fd3m space group characteristic of the cubic spinel structure. The a-cell parameter ranges from a = 8.2276 Å (x = 0) to a = 8.3980 Å (x = 1). SEM results showed particle agglomerates ranging in size from 2.3 μm (x = 0) down to 0.8 μm (x = 1). Hysteresis magnetization vs. applied field curves in the 5–300K range was recorded. ZFC-FC measurements indicate the presence of two magnetic paramagnetic-ferrimagnetic transitions. The experimental Curie constant was found to vary from 5 to 7.1 cm K mol for the range of compositions studied (0 ≤ x ≤ 1). XPS studies of these oxides revealed the presence of Ni, Mn, and Mn. The experimental Ni/Mn atomic ratios obtained by XPS were in good agreement with the nominal values. A linear relationship of the average oxidation state of Mn with Ni content was observed. The oxide’s cation distributions as a function of Ni content from x = 0 Li[MnMn]O4 to x = 1 Ni 2þ 0:35Mn 3þ 0:65 Ni 2þ 0:65 Mn3þ 1:35 O4 were proposed.