Cathode materials for use in lithium cells and batteries

Abstract

Lithium-manganese-nickel-oxide electrode materials for lithium cells and batteries, notably rechargeable Li-ion batteries, are described herein. These electrode materials are comprised of crystalline, structurally-integrated, lithium-metal-oxides of empirical formula LiM1O2 wherein M1 comprises a combination of Mn and Ni transition metal ions; the crystal structure of the materials comprises domains of a disordered lithiated-spinel component, a disordered layered component, and a disordered rock salt component, in which the oxygen lattice of the components is cubic-close packed. In general, the Mn:Ni ratio in the lithiated-spinel structures described herein is less than 2:1 and preferably close to 1:1, and more preferably 1:1. Optionally, the lithium-manganese-nickel-oxide electrode materials can be blended or structurally-integrated with other cathode materials and structures.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.