Abstract:The hydrothermal synthesis of single-crystalline β-MnO₂ nanorods and their chemical conversion into single-crystalline LiMn₂O₄ nanorods by a simple solid-state reaction were reported. This method has the advantages of producing pure, single-phase and crystalline nanorods. The LiMn₂O₄ nanorods have an diameter of about 300 nm. The discharge capacity and cyclic performance of the batteries were investigated. The LiMn₂O₄ nanorods show better cyclic performance with a capacity retention ratio of 86.2% after 100 cycles. Battery cyclic studies reveal that the prepared LiMn₂O₄ nanorods have high capacity with a first discharge capacity of 128.7 mA∙h/g.

Key words: spinel LiMn₂O₄ nanorods; β-MnO₂ nanorods; hydrothermal synthesis; solid-state reaction; electro-chemical properties