Ultrathin CeO2 coating for improved cycling and rate performance of Ni-rich layered LiNi0.7Co0.2Mn0.1O2 cathode materials

In this study, we have successfully coated the CeO₂ nanoparticles (CeONPs) layer onto the surface of the Ni-rich layered LiNi_0.7Co_0.2Mn_0.1O₂ cathode materials by a wet chemical method, which can effectively improve the structural stability of electrode. The X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) are used to determine the structure, morphology, elemental composition and electronic state of pristine and surface modified LiNi_0.7Co_0.2Mn_0.1O₂. The electrochemical testing indicates that the 0.3?mol% CeO₂-coated LiNi_0.7Co_0.2Mn_0.1O₂ demonstrates excellent cycling capability and rate performance, the discharge specific capacity is 161.7?mA?h?g^?1 with the capacity retention of 86.42% after 100 cycles at a current rate of 0.5?C, compared to 135.7?mA?h?g^?1 and 70.64% for bare LiNi_0.7Co_0.2Mn_0.1O₂, respectively. Even at 5?C, the discharge specific capacity is still up to 137.1?mA?h?g^?1 with the capacity retention of 69.0%, while the NCM only delivers 95.5?mA?h?g^?1 with the capacity retention of 46.6%. The outstanding electrochemical performance is assigned to the excellent oxidation capacity of CeO₂ which can oxidize Ni²⁺ to Ni³⁺ and Mn³⁺ to Mn⁴⁺ with the result that suppress the occurrence of Li⁺/Ni²⁺ mixing and phase transmission. Furthermore, CeO₂ coating layer can protect the structure to avoid the occurrence of side reaction. The CeO₂-coated composite with enhanced structural stability, cycling capability and rate performance is a promising cathode material candidate for lithium-ion battery.     

基于水热/溶剂热法制备不同形貌LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 锂离子电池正极材料

基于水热/溶剂热法制备LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂电极材料,以镍、钴、锰乙酸盐为原料,以六亚甲基四胺为沉淀剂、水或乙醇为溶剂,通过调节溶剂组分控制Ni_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1（OH）₂（NCM）的成核与生长速率,从而合成两种形貌不同的Ni_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1（OH）₂前驱体,再经过混锂煅烧获得LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂正极材料,研究比较了其电化学性能。以水为溶剂通过水热法合成的前驱体样品呈现出由一次片状颗粒紧密堆积组成的长方体状二次颗粒形貌,经混锂煅烧得到的产物表现出较高的放电比容量,在0.5C倍率下首次放电比容量可达到189.70 mA·h/g,循环200次容量保持率为69.72%。以乙醇为溶剂通过溶剂热法合成得到球形二次颗粒前驱体,最终得到的产物具有多孔球形结构,表现出了优异的循环性能,0.5C首次放电比容量为178.65 mA·h/g,循环200次容量保持率仍高达94.55%。     

Microwave-assisted synthesis of LiNi0.5Co0.5O2 cathode material for lithium batteries using PAM as template

Layered cathode materials LiNi_0.5Co_0.5O₂ were successfully synthesized by microwave-assisted method using polyacrylamide (PAM) as template. Effects of the PAM concentration, sintering temperature and time on the morphology, microstructure and electrochemical performance of the materials were systematically investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns reveal that the sample prepared with 8 wt.% PAM and sintered at 1023 K for 4 h shows the best ordering layered structure with the maximum I( 0 0 3)/I(1 0 4) ratio and the largest distance of splitting diffraction peaks of the crystal plants (0 0 6) and (0 1 2 ), (0 1 8) and (1 1 0). It can be seen that the above sample is composed of sphere-like particle from the scanning electronic microscopies (SEM) observation. The charge-discharge experiments indicate that the sample, compared with the samples prepared under other conditions, also has the best electrochemical properties, with the largest discharge capacity of 154 mAh/g and the capacity retention of 145 mAh/g after 20 cycles at a 0.2C rate between 3.0 and 4.3 V. The study confirmed that the application of microwave is in favor of the formation of nuclei, which plays a key role in shortening the synthetic time and reducing the sintering temperature.     

Structure and morphology evolution in solid-phase synthesis lithium ion battery LiNi0.80Co0.15Al0.05O2 cathode materials with different micro-nano sizes of raw materials

The LiNi_0.80Co_0.15Al_0.05O₂ (NCA) cathode is endowed with a high energy density and excellent cycling performance. However, the preparation conditions for this material are quite harsh. Therefore, it is rather significant to obtain well-qualified NCA by simple solid-phase synthesis. In this study, the solid-phase synthesis of NCA cathode material is carried out by mixing two types of raw materials via stirring or sand milling. The effects of different particle sizes on the structure and morphology of NCA materials are analyzed. Owing to the different particle sizes of the raw materials, the diffusion path of Li⁺ between the solid phases differs greatly. The XRD results show that the samples mixed by stirring have a worse cation mixture than those mixed by sand milling due to the larger particle size, smaller sintering surface energy, and insufficient sintering strength. The electrochemical results show that the sample mixed by sand milling has a higher specific capacity at a low rate, the initial discharge capacity is 199.22?mAh?g^?1, and the capacity retention rate is 86.9% after 50 cycles. In contrast, the initial discharge capacity of the sample mixed by stirring is 184.86?mAh?g^?1, and the capacity is 171.93?mAh?g^?1 after 50 cycles with a 93.0% capacity retention rate.     

LiNi0.1Mn0.1Co0.8O2 electrode material: Structural changes upon lithium electrochemical extraction

We reported here on the synthesis, the crystal structure and the study of the structural changes during the electrochemical cycling of layered LiNi_0.1Mn_0.1Co_0.8O₂ positive electrode material. Rietveld refinement analysis shows that this material exhibits almost an ideal α-NaFeO₂ structure with practically no lithium-nickel disorder. The SQUID measurements confirm this structural result and evidenced that this material consists of Ni²⁺, Mn⁴⁺ and Co³⁺ ions.Unlike LiNiO₂ and LiCoO₂ conventional electrode materials, there was no structural modification upon lithium removal in the whole 0.42 ≤ x ≤1.0 studied composition range. The peaks revealed in the incremental capacity curve were attributed to the successive oxidation of Ni²⁺ and Co³⁺ while Mn⁴⁺ remains electrochemically inactive.     

A novel method for the preparation of submicron-sized LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 cathode material

A novel method has been employed to synthesize layered LiNi_0.8Co_0.2O₂ cathode material by calcination of Ni–Co hydroxide–carbonate precursor prepared by a route involving separate nucleation and aging steps (SNAS) together with LiOH under air atmosphere. Thermogravimetry (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) combined with on-line evolved gas mass spectrometry (EGMS) analysis were employed to study the reaction process. The synthesized material was characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), laser particle size distribution analysis, field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and galvanostatic charge/discharge cycling. The synthesized LiNi_0.8Co_0.2O₂ presents a narrow distribution of submicron-sized particles and exhibits a good electrochemical property with initial discharge specific capacity of 194.8 mAh g⁻¹ in the voltage range 2.75–4.5 V (versus Li/Li⁺). The novel method for the preparation of submicron-sized LiNi_0.8Co_0.2O₂ material has the particular advantage of simple synthesis process and low synthesis cost.     

Comparison of structure and electrochemistry of Al- and Fe-doped LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2

LiNi_1/3Co_1/3−xM_xMn_1/3O₂ (M = Fe and Al; x = 0, 1/20, 1/9 and 1/6) have been synthesized by firing the co-precipitates of metal hydroxides. The impacts of Fe and Al doping on the structure and electrochemical performances of LiNi_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ are compared by means of powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and galvanostatic charge/discharge test as cathode materials for lithium ion batteries. These materials keep the same layered structure as the LiNi_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ host. It is found that Fe- and Al-doped LiNi_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ show different characteristics in lattice parameter and cycling voltage plateau with increasing dopant dose. More interestingly, low Al doping (x < 1/20) improves the structural stability while Fe doping does not have such effect even at low Fe content.     

Electrochemical performance and local cationic distribution in layered LiNi1/2Mn1/2O2 electrodes for lithium ion batteries

LiNi_1/2Mn_1/2O₂ electrodes with layered structure were synthesized by solid-state reaction between lithium hydroxide and mixed Ni,Mn oxides obtained from co-precipitated Ni,Mn carbonates and hydroxides and freeze-dried Ni,Mn citrates. The temperature of the solid-state reaction was varied between 800 and 950 °C. This method of synthesis allows obtaining oxides characterized with well-crystallized nanometric primary particles bounded in micrometric aggregates. The extent of particle agglomeration is lower for oxides obtained from freeze-dried Ni,Mn citrates. The local Mn⁴⁺ surrounding in the transition metal layers was determined by X-band electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. It has been found that local cationic distribution is consistent with α,β-type cationic order with some extent of disordering that depends mainly on the precursors used. The electrochemical extraction and insertion of lithium was tested in lithium cells using Step Potential Electrochemical Spectroscopy. The electrochemical performance of LiNi_1/2Mn_1/2O₂ oxides depends on the precursors used, the synthesis temperature and the potential range. The best electrochemical response was established for LiNi_1/2Mn_1/2O₂ prepared from the carbonate precursor at 900 °C. The changes in local environment of Mn⁴⁺ ions during electrochemical reaction in both limited and extended potential ranges were discussed on the basis of ex situ EPR experiments.     

Enhanced rate performance of carbon-coated LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cathode material for lithium ion batteries

Conductive carbon has been coated on the surface of LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ cathode material by the carbonization of sucrose for the purpose of improving the rate performance. The effect of carbon coating on the physical and electrochemical properties is discussed through the characterizations of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cycling and rate tests. Results demonstrate that the carbon coating can greatly enhance the discharge capacity, rate capability and cycling stability of the LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ without degrading the spinel structure. The sample modified with 1 wt.% sucrose displays the best performance. A large capacity of 130 mAh g⁻¹ at 1 C discharge rate with a high retention of 92% after 100 cycles and a stable 114 mAh g⁻¹ at 5 C discharge rate can be delivered. The remarkably improved rate properties of the carbon-coated samples are due to the suppression of the solid electrolyte interfacial (SEI) layer development and faster kinetics of both the Li⁺ diffusion and the charge transfer reaction.     

Improvement of structural stability and electrochemical activity of a cathode material LiNi0.7Co0.3O2 by chlorine doping

In the process of Li⁺ intercalation-deintercalation, electron removal is accompanied simultaneously. Oxygen was found to compensate electron removal both in theoretical calculations and practical experiments. Chlorine addition to LiNi_0.7Co_0.3O₂ was expected to exchange electrons in that Cl⁻ was easier to lose electrons than O²⁻. LiNi_0.7Co_0.3O_2−xCl_x was identified as a pure hexagonal lattice of α-NaFeO₂ type by X-ray diffraction. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to analyze the influence of chlorine substitution on the oxidation state of transition-metal ions. Charge-discharge experiments and cyclic voltammetry confirmed that chlorine addition was an effective way to improve reversible capacity and structural stability in cycles.     

Synthesis and electrochemical properties of submicron LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 by a polymer-pyrolysis method

A polymer-pyrolysis method was used to synthesize LiNi_0.8Co_0.2O₂, which has potential application in lithium ion batteries. The effect of calcination temperature and time on the structure and electrochemical performance of the material was investigated. XRD analysis showed that the powders obtained by calcination at 750 °C for 3 h had the best-ordered hexagonal layer structure. SEM image showed these powders were fine, narrowly distributed with platelet morphology. The charge-discharge tests demonstrated these powders had the best electrochemical properties, with an initial discharge capacity of 189 mAh/g and capacity retention of 95.2% after 50 cycles when cycled at 50 mA/g between 3.0 and 4.3 V. Besides, these powders also had exhibited excellent rate capability.     

Novel synthesis of layered LiNi1/2Mn1/2O2 as cathode material for lithium rechargeable cells

A new solution combustion synthesis of layered LiNi_0.5Mn_0.5O₂ involving the reactions of LiNO₃, Mn(NO₃)₂, NiNO₃, and glycine as starting materials is reported. TG/DTA studies were performed on the gel-precursor and suggest the formation of the layered LiNi_0.5Mn_0.5O₂ at low temperatures. The synthesized material was annealed at various temperatures, viz., 250, 400, 600, and 850 °C, characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and reveals the formation of single phase crystalline LiNi_0.5Mn_0.5O₂ at 850 °C. The morphology of the synthesized material has been investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and suggests the formation of sub-micron particles. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) studies on the synthesized LiNi_0.5Mn_0.5O₂ powders indicate that the oxidation states of nickel and manganese are +2 and +4, respectively. Electrochemical galvanostatic charge-discharge cycling behavior of Li//LiNi_0.5Mn_0.5O₂ cell using 1 M LiPF₆ in EC/DMC as electrolyte exhibited stable capacities of ∼125 mAh/g in the voltage ranges 2.8-4.3 V and 3.0-4.6 V and is comparable to literature reports using high temperature synthesis route. The capacity remains stable even after 20 cycles. The layered LiNi_0.5Mn_0.5O₂ powders synthesized by this novel route have several advantages as compared to its conventional synthesis techniques.     

Microwave assisted synthesis and electrochemical behaviour of LiMg0.1Co0.9O2 for lithium rechargeable batteries

Layered LiMg_0.1Co_0.9O₂ has been synthesized using microwave assisted solution technique. The precursor has been subjected to thermo-gravimetric/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA) and calcined at 850 °C. The precursor and the calcined powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) to confirm the formation of single-phase layered material. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) studies were carried out to understand the nature of the metal-ligand bond and the observations were consistent with the XRD spectrum. Scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) images have been obtained to understand the surface morphology and the grain orientation of the synthesized material. Coin cells of 2016 type have been assembled using the synthesized layered material as the cathode active material, lithium foil as the counter and reference electrodes and 1 M LiPF₆ in 1:1 EC/DEC as the electrolyte. Coin cells were assembled and crimp sealed inside an argon filled glove box. The charge/discharge characteristics of the coin cells were evaluated galvanostatically in the potential range 2.7-4.3 V. Results indicate that LiMg_0.1Co_0.9O₂ delivers an average discharge capacity of ∼135 mAh g⁻¹ over the investigated 20 cycles and is a potential candidate for use as cathode material in lithium rechargeable cells.     

Spray-drying synthesized LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 and its electrochemical performance as cathode materials for lithium ion batteries

Layered LiNi_0.6Co_0.2Mn_0.2O₂ materials were synthesized at different sintering temperatures using spray-drying precursor with molar ratio of Li/Me = 1.04 (Me = transition metals). The influences of sintering temperature on crystal structure, morphology and electrochemical performance of LiNi_0.6Co_0.2Mn_0.2O₂ materials have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and charge-discharge test. As a result, material synthesized at 850 °C has excellent electrochemical performance, delivering an initial discharge capacity of 173.1 mAh g^− 1 between 2.8 and 4.3 V at a current density of 16 mA g^− 1 and exhibiting good cycling performance.     

Hydrothermal synthesis of LiNi0.9Co0.1O2 cathode materials

Ultrafine powders of LiNi_0.9Co_0.1O₂ were prepared under mild hydrothermal conditions. The product was characterized by XRD, TEM and EDS tests, which indicated that the obtained products were pure and well-crystallized LiNi_0.9Co_0.1O₂. The ICP-AES results indicated the products were lithium-deficient compounds. The addition of KOH hardly effected the crystallinity of the product but gave larger crystals.     

Li6V10O28, a novel cathode material for Li-ion battery

A novel cathode material, lithium decavanadate Li₆V₁₀O₂₈ with a large tunnel within the framework structure for lithium ion battery has been prepared by hydrothermal synthesis and annealing dehydration treatment. The structure and electrochemical properties of the sample have been investigated. The novel material shows good reversibility for Li⁺ insertion/extraction and long cycle life. High discharge capacity (132 mAh/g) is obtained at 0.2 mA/cm² discharge current and potential range between 2.0 and 4.2 V versus Li⁺/Li. AC impedance of the Li/Li₆V₁₀O₂₈ cell reveals that the cathode process is controlled mainly by Li⁺ diffusion in the active material. The novel material would be a promising cathode material for Li-ion batteries.     

Effect of ZnO modification on the performance of LiNi0.5Co0.25Mn0.25O2 cathode material

ZnO was coated on LiNi_0.5Co_0.25Mn_0.25O₂ cathode (positive electrode) material for lithium ion battery via sol–gel method to improve the performance of LiNi_0.5Co_0.25Mn_0.25O₂. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results indicated that the lattice structure of LiNi_0.5Co_0.25Mn_0.25O₂ was not changed distinctly after surface coating and part of Zn²⁺ might dope into the lattice of the material. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) proved that ZnO existed on the surface of LiNi_0.5Co_0.25Mn_0.25O₂. Charge and discharge tests showed that the cycle performance and rate capability were improved by ZnO coating, however, the initial capacity decreased dramatically with increasing the amount of ZnO. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results showed that thermal stability of the materials was improved. The XPS spectra after charge–discharge cycles showed that ZnO coated on LiNi_0.5Co_0.25Mn_0.25O₂ promoted the decomposition of the electrolyte at the early stage of charge–discharge cycle to form more stable SEI layer, and it also can scavenge the free acidic HF species from the electrolyte. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results showed ZnO coating could suppress the augment of charge transfer resistance upon cycling.     

Structural, electrochemical and thermal properties of LiNi0.8−yTiyCo0.2O2 as cathode materials for lithium ion battery

Multiple substitution compounds with the formula LiNi_0.8−yTi_yCo_0.2O₂ (0≤y≤0.1) were synthesized by sol-gel method using citric acid as a chelating agent. The effects of titanium substitution on the structural, electrochemical and thermal properties of the cathode materials are investigated. A solid solution phase (R-3m) is observed in the range of 0≤y≤0.1 for the titanium-doped materials. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) shows that there are Ni³⁺, Ni²⁺, Co³⁺, Co²⁺ and Ti⁴⁺ five transition metal ions in titanium-doped materials. Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns indicates that titanium substitution changes the materials’ structure with different cationic distribution. An increase of the Ni/Co amount in the 3a Li site is found with the addition of titanium amount. An improved cycling performance is observed for titanium-doped cathode materials, which is interpreted to a significant suppression of phase transitions and lattice changes during cycling. The thermal stability of titanium-doped materials is also improved, which can be attributed to its lower oxidation ability and enhanced structural stability at delithiated state.     

锂离子电池正极材料研究的进展

锂离子电池由于有高能量密度、高输出电压、无记忆效应和无环境污染等优点,得到越来越多的应用。作者简述了锂离子电池的结构和充放电原理,详细介绍了近年来应用于锂离子电池的一些正极材料。并讨论了它们的优缺点及在锂离子电池中的应用前景。指出今后电极材料的研究与开发重点将朝着高比容量、高充放电效率、高循环性能以及低成本方向发展。     

Study on the synthesis and properties of LiV3O8 rechargeable lithium batteries cathode

A new simple synthetic method was employed to produce LiV₃O₈ compound in which LiOH, V₂O₅ and NH₄OH were used as the starting reactants. At first, V₂O₅ reacted with LiOH and NH₄OH in liquid solutions to obtain a compound containing Li and V, which was then calcined at 370, 450 and 550 °C for 8 h, respectively. The electrochemical properties of the LiV₃O₈ compound were studied by galvanostatic charge-discharge, and the highest capacity of 274 mAh g⁻¹ was obtained for the LiV₃O₈ compound calcined at 370 °C in the range of 1.8-4.0 V. In the fifteenth cycle, its capacity remained 257 mAh g⁻¹. The inspections by X-ray diffraction and SEM indicated that different calcining temperatures resulted in different structure, which resulted in different discharge capacity.