Synthesis of LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 cathode material via flame-assisted spray pyrolysis method

Abstract

Long reaction and long heat treatments have become major obstacles in producing cathode materials NCA (LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2) for Li-ion batteries. Flame assisted spray pyrolysis (FASP) method followed by sintering process requires shorter reaction and sintering time and considered suitable economical alternative in NCA production. The obtained ternary oxides particles from FASP have high crystalline and homogenous properties. Furthermore, XRD pattern of NCA products obtained by lithiation of ternary oxides exhibit well-ordered layered hexagonal structure. Electrochemical performance of NCA was tested in an NCA/graphite system at 2.7–4.3 V and current density of 20 mA/g. At the optimum sintering condition (under O2 rich atmosphere for 9 h), NCA particles show the initial specific discharge capacity of 143 mAh/g, and the capacity retention of 92% after 20 cycles. This results is higher from commercial available NCA particles (specific discharge capacity of 138 mAh/g) which indicates the promise of this approach for NCA production.