Abstract: Single phase chromium-substituted orthorhombic LiMn1-xCrxO2 (0≤x≤0.05) were successfully synthesized by hydrothermal treatment of Mn2O3, Cr2O3 and lithium hydroxide aqueous solution. Structure and morphologies of the o-LiMn1-xCrxO2 were characterized by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Compared to the particle size of o-LiMnO2 ranging from 50 to 150 nm, the Cr-doped one is larger with about 500~nm, which is agglomerated by small grains. There are high stacking faults in nanosized grains that cause easier phase transformation from the orthorhombic to the spinel-like structure on cycling. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy image analysis of electrochemically cycled o-LiMn1-xCrxO2 (x=0, 0.05) samples showed that the nanodomain structure in o-LiMn0.95Cr0.05O2 was comparatively perfect to that in o-LiMnO2. Particle agglomeration and the relatively perfect crystal structure are two key factors for improving cycle performance of o-LiMn0.95Cr0.05O2. The obtained o-LiMn0.95Cr0.05O2 can reach a maximum discharge capacity of 174 mA•h•g-1 at 0.1 C rate in seventh cycle. The discharge capacity fade rate of the samples decreased with increasing Cr amount. Furthermore, o-LiMn0.95Cr0.05O2 gives a highest discharge capacity of 150 mA•h•g-1 at a high current rate of 0.5 C, and retains 130 mA•h•g-1 after 40 cycles.

Key words: Orthohombic LiMn1-xCrxO2, Hydrothermal synthesis, Electrochemistry