Abstract: The synthesis kinetic parameters of spinel LiMn₂O₄ produced in air were studied
by the non-isothermal multiple scanning method with DSC at the four heating rates. An optimal solid-state synthesis method was then obtained
based on the above investigations. It employed the two-step method to prepare the spinel-phased LiMn₂O₄: firstly, the well-mixed raw
materials preheated at 600℃ for several hours and subsequently, raised the temperature to 830℃ and fired at this temperature
for a longer time to get the final products. The microstructures of the final LiMn₂O₄ samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction. The
electrochemical properties of LiMn₂O₄ as the cathode materials of Li-ion batteries were measured by the constant current charge-discharge
method: an initial capacity of 122mAh/g and relatively high capacity retention were obtained.

Key words: cathode materials, LiMn₂O₄, synthesis kinetics, solid state reaction