Flash Solution Oxidation in the Preparation of Cathode Materials for Mg and Li Ion Power Sources

Using a previously described approach towards preparing oxide nanoparticles via the use of potassium superoxide, we have explored the preparation of cathode materials such as LiCoO₂, LiMn₂O₄ or Mg(M₁,M₂)O₂.  From solutions of LiI, or Magnesium Acetate with various transition metals, it is possible to prepare a wide host of potential nanopoarticulate cathode materials in solution.  Initial preparation typically yields an amorphous blend of the material, but subsequent oxygen annealing at relatively low temperatures (100-200 ^oC) results in the formation of nanometer sized cathode materials, such as shown in the accompanying figure for 2.5 nM sized LiCo_O2 prepared via this solution method.