The LMO spinel structure battery features a three-dimensional spinel framework, which improves ion flow on the electrodes, reduces internal resistance, and enhances current-carrying capacity. Additionally, this structure offers high thermal stability and safety, though its cycle and calendar life are relatively limited. The low internal resistance allows for fast charging and high current discharge. For example, the 18650-type LMO battery can discharge at currents of 20-30A with moderate heat accumulation. Even though it can withstand a 1-second load pulse of up to 50A, sustained high loads will cause the battery temperature to rise, necessitating that the temperature does not exceed 80°C (176°F). Therefore, LMO batteries are widely used in power tools, medical devices, and hybrid and pure electric vehicles. Most LMO batteries are mixed with lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) to improve specific energy and extend life, resulting in optimal performance. Many electric vehicles, such as the Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Volt, and BMW i3, use the LMO (NMC) system. The LMO component accounts for about 30% of the battery composition, providing high acceleration current, while the NMC component ensures long-range capability.
The research trend in lithium-ion batteries is to combine LMO with cobalt, nickel, manganese, and/or aluminum as active cathode materials. Sometimes, a small amount of silicon is added to the anode material, increasing capacity by up to 25%; however, the expansion and contraction of silicon can cause mechanical stress, leading to a shortened cycle life. Therefore, these three active metals and silicon-enhanced materials can be selected according to needs to improve specific energy (capacity), specific power (load capacity), or life. Consumer batteries generally pursue high capacity, while industrial applications emphasize load capacity, long life, and safety reliability.
