Mn Substitution with Co in LiCo<sub>(1-X)</sub>Mn<sub>x</sub>O<sub>2</sub> Cathode Materials and their Charge-Discharge Characteristic

Abstract

LiCoO2 has been used as a cathode material in commercial Li-ion batteries. This is due to advantageous properties of the LiCoO2 like ease of preparation and good electrochemical characteristics. However, the high cost and toxicity of Co has limited its use. Therefore, the substitution of Co in the LiCoO2 by non-toxic and inexpensive transition metallic element is needed. Mn is considered as one of the promising candidates to fulfill all the requirements. Partial substitution of Co by Mn has also been considered to enhance the stability of LiCoO2 lattice, minimize capacity fading and increase cycle life of the Li-ion battery. LiCo(1-x)MnxO2 (x= 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) were prepared by using a self-propagating combustion (SPC) method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) of the samples were carried out for phase analysis and showed that all the materials are pure. The samples were also analyzed using the Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) to study its morphology and particle size. Finally cathodes were fabricated and assembled in an inert gas-filled fabrication box. Discharge profiles of the materials were carried out in the voltage range of 4.3 V – 3 V. The materials obtained were phase pure and improved the capacity fading of the materials compared to LiCoO2. All of the materials exhibited less than 10% capacity loss even though it does not improve the first cycle discharge capacity.