Preparation of nano-structured LiMn₂O₄ thin films by electrostatic spray deposition

A novel fabrication technique has been used to prepare nano-structured LiMn₂O₄ thin films using electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) from suspensions containing LiMn₂O₄ fine particles. It is found that a mixture of acetylacetone and ethanol in a ratio of 1:1 by volume is a suitable suspension medium to disperse LiMn₂O₄ fine particles effectively and form colloidally stable suspension. The effects of the processing parameters, such as applied voltages, suspension flow rates and deposition times, on the surface morphology and microstructure of the thin films are examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that the deposited LiMn₂O₄ thin films are uniform, dense and well adhered to the substrates. Analysis of the crystal structure of the thin films using X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicates the deposited material as being spinel LiMn₂O₄, which is in fair agreement with the original fine particles.