Facile synthesis and cation distribution of MgCo2O4 microspheres as anode material for lithium ion batteries

MgCo2O4 microspheres were synthesized through a facile solvothermal method. The as-synthesized microspheres were about 3-8 mu m in diameter and were assembled closely by nanoparticles. The cation distribution and cobalt (Co) valence were studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Co3+ and Co2+ ions were all present in the samples. Co3+ ions were located in the octahedral sites and Co2+ occupied both tetrahedral and octahedral sites of the spinel structure, the inversion degree was 0.22-0.17 and slightly decreased with increasing calcination temperature. The electrochemical performance of the samples as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) was studied, the result showed that the sample calcined at 400 degrees C displayed the largest initial discharge capacity of 1120 mA h.g(-1) and the capacity decreased with increasing temperature.

Automated summary

MgCo2O4 microspheres were synthesized using a solvothermal method, with XPS revealing the distribution of Co3+ and Co2+ ions and the impact of calcination temperature on inversion degree. As an anode material for LIBs, the sample calcined at 400 degrees Celsius exhibited the highest initial discharge capacity.