New post-treatment process with enhanced capacity performance in Li1.2Ni0.13Co0.13Mn0.54O2 cathode material

Abstract

As a cathode material suitable for high capacity and long cycle performance is required, over lithiated oxide (OLO) with high energy density is attracting attention as a new material for lithium-ion batteries (LIB). However, commercializing the OLO material is challenging owing to its low rate capability and cyclic performance, which are caused by its unstable structure. In this study, the stabilization of the OLO structure will be focused as introducing new post-treatment process after using the sol-gel synthesis method. In order to improve the capacity and cyclability through OLO structural stability, the LN2 (Liquid Nitrogen) quenching method was tried as post-treatment process. The structural characteristics of OLO treated by LN2 quenching method were analyzed through SEM, TEM, XRD and XPS, indicating that the reduction of particle size and the increasement of Ni oxidation state affect the capacity and structural stability, respectively. The capacity and cyclability of the LN2-treated sample after sintering at 800 °C were initial discharge capacity of 344 mAh g−1 at 0.1C and 228 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles, respectively. These results suggest that the stabilization method affects the improvement of OLO performance characteristics.