Method for preparing electrolytic manganese dioxide

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an improved cathode material having the general formula of Li1+xMn2−x−y−zMyM′zO4 where x is generally less than 0.25, y is less than about 0.5, z is between about 0.1 and about 0.7, M is a trivalent transition metal, M′ is a divalent transition metal. Also disclosed is an improved secondary battery having a cathode material of the general formula of Li1+xMn2−x−y−zMyM′zO4. In one embodiment, the method provides for the preparation of a solution of Mn++ ions by dissolving manganese metal, typically in the form of powder or chips, in a mineral acid. The final concentration of Mn++ in solution will be between about 20 g/L to about 254 g/L. Typically, the solution will contain about 47 g/L of Mn++. The final pH of the solution containing Mn++ may range between about two and about eight; however, a typical operational pH will be between about 5.5 and about 7.0.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.