Li[Li0.2Ni0.16Mn0.56Co0.08]O2 nanoparticles prepared using a surfactant modified combustion method

In this study, we demonstrate a simple method for the preparation of Li[Li0.2Ni0.16Mn0.56Co0.08]O2 particle using surfactants. Hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), gelatin, and sucrose were successfully used to decrease particle size and increase surface area of the Li[Li0.2Ni0.16Mn0.56Co0.08]O2 powders, meaning that the surfactants effectively dispersed the particles. There was no phase change due to the use of surfactants, however, some surfactants affected the crystallinity of the powders. The samples prepared using surfactants demonstrated effectively enhanced capacities and some surfactants, such as HPC, also improved rate capabilities by increasing surface area. However, increased surface area was also found to lead to the deterioration of cyclic performance due to the activation of unwanted side reactions between electrode and electrolyte. Nevertheless, the sample prepared using HPC showed better cyclic performance than the pristine sample. This may be attributed to its enhanced crystallinity. In contrast, the sample prepared using gelatin showed inferior cyclic performance to the pristine sample due to low crystallinity.