Morphology-Controlled One-Step Synthesis of Nanostructured LiNi_1/3Mn_1/3Co_1/3O₂ Electrodes for Li-Ion Batteries

Abstract

Nanostructured electrodes effectively enhance the kinetics of the charge/discharge process in lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. However, the fabrication of these electrodes often involves complex processing steps. This study demonstrates a one-step improved flame spray pyrolysis synthesis approach to directly deposit the most common Li-ion battery cathode material LiNi 1/3 Mn 1/3 Co 1/3 O 2 onto current collectors, which is identified as reactive spray deposition technology (RSDT). Because of the economical and continuous nature of RSDT, the industrial scale of manufacturing nanostructured electrodes for Li-ion batteries can be potentially developed. Morphologies of the electrodes are well controlled so that their electrochemical properties can be tailored to accommodate intended applications. In detail, by adjusting the precursor concentration in the solution feed during the operation of RSDT, the specific surface area of synthesized material can be fine-tuned accordingly. Although the electrodes prepared with low precursor concentration exhibit the highest surface area and deliver the highest initial discharge capacity of 192.1 mAh g –1 , the most stable cycling performance is demonstrated by the electrodes fabricated with high precursor concentration, retaining 93.6% of the initial capacity after 100 cycles in half-cell testing. This innovative direct deposition method considerably simplifies the manufacture process of high-performance nanostructured electrodes and enables effortless modification of their properties. Moreover, no hazardous waste is generated from this synthesis route.

Degradation and Aging Routes of Ni-Rich Cathode Based Li-Ion Batteries

“…Nevertheless, a large surface area is also prone to accelerated electrolyte degeneration. Wang et al [105] reported an improvement on the cycle performance by decreasing the surface area via adjusting the precursor concentration. Peralta et al [33] synthesized non-agglomerated sub-micron flake-shape particles with a small ratio of electroactive surface at the edge planes, i.e., a small area for lithium insertion, following the approach to diminish the amount of active surface area.…”

Metal Coated Polypropylene Separator with Enhanced Surface Wettability for High Capacity Lithium Metal Batteries

“…The Nb-PP separator based cell on the other hand, displayed the potential difference of only 0.15 V corresponding to the redox peaks at 4.14 V and 3.63 V for the first CV scan with reduced potential difference value of 0.19 V and higher peak current of magnitude 0.13 mA. The exceptionally low potential difference indicates the better cycling reversibility 16 . The relatively higher peak current in the latter case could be associated with the improved electrical contact between Nb and Li metal anode which may promote fast Li + transport across the anode|electrolyte interface 65 .…”

“…CV measurements were performed for the LNMC cathode based cells in 2.5 V to 4.5 V voltage range at 0.1 mVs −1 . Cells containing PP and Nb-PP separators show a pair of redox peaks corresponding to the Ni 2+ /Ni 4+ during the Li + insertion and removal 16 . The redox peaks for the first CV scan are centered at 4.16 V and 3.65 V respectively, resulting in a potential difference of 0.51 V (Fig.…”

“…Ni, Mn, and Co ions exist with valances of +2, +4, and +3, respectively and the Ni 2+ /Ni 4+ and Co 3+ /Co 4+ redox couples are electrochemically active during the insertion/removal of Li + , whilst the Mn 4+ ions remain inactive 11–15 . As a consequence, the Mn dissolution and associated Jahn−Teller distortion can be greatly eluded, which in turn results in a more stabilized structure during the electrochemical processes 10,16 . The LiNi 1/3 Mn 1/3 Co 1/3 O 2 cathode offers a practical achievable specific capacity of above 160 mA h g −1 when cycled in 2.5 V to 4.5 V voltage range.…”

A high-performance composite positive electrode based on graphene and Li (Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3)O2

“…A discharge capacity of 209 mAh g −1 is achieved at 0.2C state of charge conditions. Table also compares the most important studies on the NMC cathode electrodes that can be used in Li‐ion batteries . Herein, we report a systematical study on NMC and NMC‐based composite cathode materials for Li‐ion batteries.…”