Synthesis of a Nickel-Rich LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 Cathode Material Utilizing the Supercritical Carbonation Process

Abstract

This study aims to develop a novel efficient process for the synthesis of a nickel-rich LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 cathode material for lithium-ion batteries utilizing supercritical CO2. In this work, the effect of operating parameters including the amount of chelating agent, coprecipitation temperature, and sintering temperature on the composition, structure, and electrochemical performance of Ni0.6Mn0.2Co0.2CO3 precursors and LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 cathode materials is investigated through systematic characterization and electrochemical testing. When using 1.5 M NH4OH at 60 °C for 8 h followed by sintering at 850 °C for 12 h in air, the LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 cathode material delivers an initial discharge capacity of 176.3 mAh g–1 at 60 mA g–1 with a capacity retention of 94.9% after 50 cycles. This work demonstrates the application of carbon capture and utilization for battery material synthesis with the advantages of no caustic precipitating agent, no impurity introduction, and good electrochemical performance compared with a conventional carbonate coprecipitation process.