Synthesis and electrochemical performance of high-capacity 0.34Li(2)MnO(3)center dot 0.66LiMn(0.63)Ni(0.24)Co(0.13)O(2) cathode materials using a Couette-Taylor reactor

Abstract

The 0.34Li(2)MnO(3)center dot 0.66LiMn(0.63)Ni(0.24)Co(0.13)O(2) cathode material for the Li-ion battery is synthesized by co-precipitation using a Couette-Taylor reactor. Particle size analysis (PSA) and a field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images show that the obtained precursor and cathode material exhibit a narrow particle size distribution and spherical shape. The structure and composition of the 0.34Li(2)MnO(3)center dot 0.66LiMn(0.63)Ni(0.24)Co(0.13)O(2) are confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). The first and second discharge capacities of 0.34Li(2)MnO(3)center dot 0.66LiMn(0.63)Ni(0.24)Co(0.13)O(2) are measured to be 311 and 307 mA h g(-1), respectively. The material also has an excellent rate capability (250 and 180 mA h g(-1) at 1 C and 5 C, respectively). In the rate capability test at 60 degrees C, 0.34Li(2)MnO(3)center dot 0.66LiMn(0.63)Ni(0.24)Co(0.13)O(2) has a higher capacity of over 210 mA h g(-1) in the range 0.1-10 C. In the cyclic performance test, the capacity retention at high temperature is over 85% after 50 cycles, which is similar to that at room temperature. The 0.34Li(2)MnO(3)center dot 0.66LiMn(0.63)Ni(0.24)Co(0.13)O(2) is therefore a high-capacity material with potential for use as an electrode in Li-ion batteries.