Low-temperature strategy to synthesize single-crystal LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 with enhanced cycling performances as cathode material for lithium-ion batteries

With high reversible capacities of more than 200 mAh/g, Ni-rich layered oxides Li[NixCoyMn1-x-(y)]O-2 (x >= 0.6) serve as the most promising cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, the anisotropic lattice volume changes linked to their alpha-NaFeO2 structured crystal grains bring about poor cycle performances for conventionally produced NCM materials. To deal with these issue, single-crystal pm-sized LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 rods was synthesized by a hydrothermal method. Compared with conventional synthesis methods, these LiNi(0.8)Co(0.1)Mn(0.1)O(2)( )rods were calcined at a low temperature with excessive lithium sources, which not only reduces the sintering temperature but also ensures the mono-dispersed micrometer-scaled particle distribution. When used as the cathode material for LIBs, the as-prepared LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2, with ordered layered-structure and low degree of cation mixing, shows excellent electrochemical performances. When sintered at 750 degrees C with 50% Li-excess, the cathode material delivered an initial discharge capacity of 226.9 mAh/g with Coulombic efficiency of 91.2% at 0.1 C (1 C = 200 mA/g) in the voltage range of 2.8-4.3 V. When charge-discharged at 1 C for 100 cycles, discharge capacity of 178.1 mAh/g with the capacity retention of 95.1% are still obtained. The cycling stability at high cut-off voltage is also outstanding. These superior electrochemical properties should be related to the monodispersed micron scaled morphology which not only decreases the contact area between electrode and electrolyte but also mitigates the formation of microcracks. This low-temperature strategy of synthesizing single-crystal LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 rods should be able to provide a feasible method for synthesizing other single-crystal Ni-rich cathode materials with excellent electrochemical performances for LIB.

Automated summary

This study synthesized single-crystal pm-sized LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 rods using a hydrothermal method, followed by low-temperature calcination with excessive lithium sources. The resulting cathode material exhibited excellent electrochemical performances with ordered layered structure and low cation mixing, providing a feasible method for synthesizing other single-crystal Ni-rich cathode materials for LIBs.