Micron-Sized Monodisperse Particle LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 Derived by Oxalate Solvothermal Process Combined with Calcination as Cathode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries

• Published in: Materials 2021-05, Vol.14 (10), p.2576
• Main Authors: Chen, Zhuo, Guo, Fangya, Zhang, Youxiang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cathodes; Crystal structure; Discharge; Electrochemical analysis; Electrode materials; Electrolytes; Ethanol; Flux density; Lithium; Lithium-ion batteries; Methods; Microscopy; Morphology; Performance enhancement; Rechargeable batteries; Roasting; Sintering; Spectrum analysis
• ISSN: 1996-1944; 1996-1944
• DOI: 10.3390/ma14102576

Ni-rich cathode LiNixCoyMn1-x-yO2 (NCM, x ≥ 0.5) materials are promising cathodes for lithium-ion batteries due to their high energy density and low cost. However, several issues, such as their complex preparation and electrochemical instability have hindered their commercial application. Herein, a simple solvothermal method combined with calcination was employed to synthesize LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 with micron-sized monodisperse particles, and the influence of the sintering temperature on the structures, morphologies, and electrochemical properties was investigated. The material sintered at 800 °C formed micron-sized particles with monodisperse characteristics, and a well-order layered structure. When charged–discharged in the voltage range of 2.8–4.3 V, it delivered an initial discharge capacity of 175.5 mAh g−1 with a Coulombic efficiency of 80.3% at 0.1 C, and a superior discharge capacity of 135.4 mAh g−1 with a capacity retention of 84.4% after 100 cycles at 1 C. The reliable electrochemical performance is probably attributable to the micron-sized monodisperse particles, which ensured stable crystal structure and fewer side reactions. This work is expected to provide a facile approach to preparing monodisperse particles of different scales, and improve the performance of Ni-rich NCM or other cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries.