Electrochemical Characteristics of LiCoO2 nano-powder Synthesized by Aerosol Flame Deposition (AFD)

Abstract

LiCoO2 is a main cathode material for thin film type as well as bulk type lithium ion battery since its performance as a cathode is excellent and its advantages, such as high operating voltage, high specific capacity, long cycle-life, are evident. In this study, a new synthesis method for nano-sized LiCoO2 powder, Aerosol Flame Deposition, was introduced and the powders synthesized at various deposition conditions were tested for the basic powder and electrochemical characteristics. The as-deposited soot powders composed of nano-sized particles, such as LiCO3, CoCO3, and Co3O4 were formed by oxy-hydrogen flame at various gas flow rates and the subsequent heat treatments converted these phases to well layered LiCoO2. The effect of synthesis process parameters such as flame temperature (hydrogen/oxygen flow rate), precursor composition, and heat treatment temperature, on electrochemical characteristics was investigated. Two methods for the generation of aerosol, ultrasonic nebulization and electro-spray employing fine nozzles with various geometry, were compared and the effect on powder characteristics and electrochemical properties was investigated.