Rapid preparation of cobalt-free lithium rich cathode materials with layered structure and excellent performance via capillary microreactors

Abstract

High voltage and high energy density cathode materials are the future development trend of power batteries. Li-and Mn-rich layered oxide (LMR) materials exhibit high capacity, low cost, and environmental friendliness, making them a promising cathode material for the next generation of lithium-ion batteries. In this study, a continuous-flow process for rapid co-precipitation synthesis of LMR precursor (Mn0.75Ni0.25CO3) in capillary microreactors was developed. Due to the good mixing characteristics of the microreactor (tm=54 ms), Mn0.75Ni0.25CO3 displays a complete spherical morphology and uniform elemental distribution without adding any complexing agent during the synthesis. The reaction time can be controlled within 11.78 s. The prepared Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.2O2 (LMR) cathode exhibits excellent properties with a high initial discharge capacity of 266.52 mAh•g−1 at 0.1C and a superior capacity retention of 93.7 % after 200 cycles at 1C. This work demonstrates that microfluidic technology presents a viable and promising approach for quickly producing lithium battery cathode precursors.