Structural analysis of Li-rich layered oxides synthesized at low temperatures

This rapid access proposal is aimed at investigating the local cationic and anionic environments of a model Li-rich layered oxide, Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.2O2 (LNMO), through neutron and X-ray pair distribution function analysis. It is related to a previous unsuccessful proposal submitted to Polaris during the last round (RB1920141). Despite the low crystallinity due to the unusually low annealing temperatures of 500C, this material exhibits promising electrochemical behaviour rivalling its variants synthesized at much higher temperatures. Through this proposal, we intend to study the crystallography of this material and understand why it can cycle Li to high capacities.