Ton-scale preparation of single-crystal Ni-rich ternary cathode materials for high-performance lithium ion batteries

Abstract

Single-crystal nickel (Ni)-rich cathode materials (Li[Ni [Formula: see text]Co[Formula: see text]Mn[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]]O2, (NCMs)) of lithium ion batteries (LIBs) have displayed promising application potential due to the merits of stable structure, minor side reaction, and high energy density. The Ni[Formula: see text]Co[Formula: see text]Mn[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text](OH)2 as the precursor of single-crystal NCM faces the issues of tedious preparation process and serious pollutant emission for traditional preparation methods during the industrial preparation. Herein, an improved continuous two-step spray pyrolysis strategy is adopted to prepare the precursor of single-crystal NCM. Combining with the industrial devices, ton-scale preparation of single-crystal NCM is realized after dynamic lithiation post-treatment. This improved strategy not only shortens the preparation process, but also reduces metal segregation and sintering temperature, effectively balancing the cost control and production efficiency. The samples sintering at 850[Formula: see text]C show uniform morphology with a diameter of 4.5 [Formula: see text]m and delivers an initial discharge capacity of 169 mAh/g at 0.1 C after 100 cycles. This work provides a new route for the industrial preparation single-crystal NCM cathode materials of LIBs.