Synthesis and characterization of LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 by high temperature solid-state method

The layered LiNi(1/3)Xn(1/3)Co(1/3)O(2) cathode material for Li-lon batteries was synthesized by high temperature solid-state method. XRD, ICP, SEM and electrochemical measurements were used to characterize the structure, composition, appearance and electrochemical performances of the product. The XRD result showed that the as-prepared LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 could be indexed by a hexagonal alpha-NaFeO2 layered structure. The SEM images showed that the particle size was about 500 nm with narrow particle size distribution. The initial discharge capacity was 170 mAh center dot g(-1) at a current density of 20 mA center dot g(-1) between 2.8 similar to 4.4 V and the discharge capacity retention was 85.3% after 40 cycles. When graphite was further added into the conductive agent, the discharge capacity reached 179 mAh center dot g(-1) and the capacity retention reached 89.6% after 50 cycles. The capacity degradation mainly occurred during the initial 10 cycles. XRD and SEM results showed that the capacity degradation was caused by the co-effect of structure change and interface reaction.