Synthesis, characterization, DC-electrical conductivity and γ-ray effect on Ag1+, Y3+ double doped nano lithium manganates (LiMn2−2x AgxYxO4) for rechargeable batteries

Pristine lithium manganate (LiMn2O4) and Ag1+, Y3+ double doped nano lithium manganate [LiMn2−2x AgxYxO4, (x = 0.025, 0.05)] spinels were synthesized via a coprecipitation method for rechargeable batteries applications. The synthesized LiMn1.9Ag0.05Y0.05O4 was exposed to different doses of γ-irradiation (10 and 30 kGy). The resulting spinel products were characterized by using thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX), electronic (UV-Vis) and electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra. LiMn2O4 exhibited a discharge capacity of 124 mAhg−1 while LiMn1.9Ag0.05Y0.05O4 had discharge capacities of 129 and 137 mAhg−1 for non irradiated and γ-irradiated (30 kGy) samples, respectively. The effects of the dopant cations and γ-irradiation on the discharge capacity and DC-electrical conductivity of some synthesized spinels were studied.