Gd (III) doped LiMn2O4 cathode material for lithium ion rechargeable batteries

The spinel structured LiMn$_{\mathrm{2-x}}$Gd$_{\mathrm{x}}$O$_{4}$ (x$=$0.01-0.05) have been synthesized via sol gel method. The physical and electrochemical characterization were carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Vis spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and charge-discharge studies. The reversibility of synthesized cathode was supported through cyclic voltammetry in 3.0 - 4.5 voltage range. The initial charge discharge capacity of cathode materials was found in range 130-140 mAhg$^{-1}$. The fabricated coin cell was tested up to 50 charge --discharge cycles with 0.5 C rate. The small amount of rare earth metal, Gd, doping showed improvement in capacity fading compared to LiMn$_{2}$O$_{4}$ cathode, offer its applicability for Li-ion rechargeable battery.