Effect of synthesis routes on the electrochemical performance of Li[Ni0.6Co0.2Mn0.2]O2 for lithium ion batteries

Abstract

The cathode-active materials, layered Li[Ni0.6Co0.2Mn0.2]O2, were synthesized by two different routes: spray-drying and solid-state methods. The influence of synthesis routes on the crystal structure, morphology, and electrochemical performance of the samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and charge/discharge test. As a result, both samples showed a typical hexagonal structure with a single phase. However, the difference in synthesis route resulted in the difference in morphology and electrochemical performance, such as reversible capacity and the rate capability. The initial discharge capacity of sample synthesized by spray-drying method at room temperature and 50 °C were 173.1 and 181.2 mAh g−1, respectively, which were higher than those of 166.8 and 177.5 mAh g−1 for sample synthesized by solid-state method. The cycling performance was also evaluated. Sample synthesized by spray-drying method exhibits a higher discharge capacity and better cycling performance than those prepared by solid-state method, even at elevated temperature.