A Li-rich
layered oxide (LLO) cathode with morphology-dependent
electrochemical performance with the composition Li1.23Mn0.538Ni0.117Co0.114O2 in three different microstructural forms, namely, randomly shaped
particles, platelets, and nanofibers, is synthesized through the solid-state
reaction (SSR-LLO), hydrothermal method (HT-LLO), and electrospinning
process (ES-LLO), respectively. Even though the cathodes possess different
morphologies, structurally they are identical. The elemental dispersion
studies using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy mapping in scanning
transmission electron microscopy show uniform distribution of elements.
However, SSR-LLO and ES-LLO nanofibers show slight Co-rich regions.
The electrochemical studies of LLO cathodes are evaluated in terms
of charging/discharging, C-rate capability, and cyclic stability performances.
A high reversible capacity of 275 mA h g–1 is achieved
in the fibrous LLO cathode which also demonstrates good high-rate
capability (80 mA h g–1 at 10 C-rate). These capacities
and rate capabilities are superior to those of SSR-LLO [210.5 mA h
g–1 (0.1 C-rate) and 4 mA h g–1 (3 C-rate)] and HT-LLO [242 mA h g–1 (0.1 C-rate)
and 22 mA h g–1 (10 C-rate)] cathodes. The ES-LLO
cathode exhibits 88% capacity retention after 100 cycles at 1 C-rate.
A decrease in voltage on cycling is found to be common in all three
cathodes; however, minimal voltage decay and capacity loss are observed
in ES-LLO upon cycling. Well-connected small LLO particles constituting
fibrous microstructural forms in ES-LLO provide an enhanced electrolyte/cathode
interfacial area and reduced diffusion path length for Li+. This, in turn, facilitates superior electrochemical performance
of the electrospun Co-low LLO cathode suitable for quick charge battery
applications.
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