Improved Performances of Li[Ni0.65Co0.08Mn0.27]O2 Cathode Material with Full Concentration Gradient for Li-Ion Batteries

Full concentration gradient (FCG) cathode material having nickel-rich core Li[Ni0.89Co0.01Mn0.10]O-2 and nickel-deficient outer layer Li[Ni0.61Co0.09Mn0.30]O-2 was synthesized via co-precipitation method. A smoothly varying concentration gradients for Ni, Co, and Mn extended from the core to the surface within a single cathode particle with an average composition of Li[Ni0.65Co0.08Mn0.27]O-2. Electrochemical and thermal properties of the FCG cathode were evaluated and compared to the conventional cathode (CC) material, Li[Ni0.65Co0.08Mn0.27]O-2 without the concentration gradient. The BET surface area measurement demonstrated the presence of densely agglomerated primary particles in the FCG cathode. Owing to the unique spatial distribution of the cations and particle morphology, the FCG cathode delivered higher discharge capacity, superior cycle stability and excellent thermal stability compared to the CC Li[Ni0.65Co0.08Mn0.27]O-2. (C) The Author(s) 2014. Published by ECS.