Synthesis and characterization of Li- and Na-ion battery materials

Abstract

This report contains description of my first half of PhD research along with a short introduction to the field of research and a brief description about the research plan for the remainder of my PhD studies. The report presents in situ results from hydrothermal synthesis of spinel type LiMn2O4 and various structural phases of MnO2. The hydrothermal synthesis of spinel type LiMn2O4 was studied using in situ powder X-ray diffraction to see the effect of reaction time, temperature, LiOH concentration and different reducing agent on the crystalline products of the synthesis. Hydrothermal formation of α-, β-, γ- and δ-MnO2 were studied using in situ powder X-ray diffraction and in situ pair distribution function to understand reaction mechanisms leading to the various MnO2 phases.