Abstract
The powder characteristics of LiMn2O4 prepared by the citrate sol-gel method have been investigated. The optimum pH for the preparation of homogeneous citrate gel was calculated by the theoretical consideration of thermodynamic equilibrium constants for metal-citrate complexes and metal salts. The obtained citrate gel was prefired at 300 ℃ and calcined at 300-700 ℃ for 1 h. The obtained powders were characterized by TG/DSC, FT-IR spectrometer, X-ray diffractometer, SQUID magnetometer, SEM, and particle size analyzer. It was observed that the mixed phases of spinel LiMn2O4 and Mn3O4 were transformed into spinel LiMn2O4 phase and the vibrational bands due to the carbonate and nitrate were also disappeared over 400 ℃. At temperatures below 150 K, inverse molar susceptibilities of every sample began to show an antiferromagnetic ordering of Mn magnetic moments.