On the Performance of LiNi[sub 1/3]Mn[sub 1/3]Co[sub 1/3]O[sub 2] Nanoparticles as a Cathode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract

We report on the behavior of nanometric LiMn1/3Ni1/3Co1/3normalO2 (LiMNC) as a cathode material for Li-ion batteries in comparison with the same material with submicrometric particles. The LiMNC material was produced by a self-combustion reaction, and the particle size was controlled by the temperature and duration of the follow-up calcination step. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, Raman spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, inductively coupled plasma, and atomic force microscopy were used in conjunction with standard electrochemical techniques (cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) for characterizing the electrode materials. The effect of cycling and aging at 60°C was also explored. Nanomaterials are much more reactive in standard electrolyte solutions than LiMNC with a submicrometric particle. They develop surface films that impede their electrochemical response, while their bulk structure remains stable during aging and cycling at elevated temperatures. The use of nanomaterials in Li-ion batteries is discussed.

Electrochemical effects of ALD surface modification on combustion synthesized LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 as a layered-cathode material

“…7. The rate performance of the bare sample is found to be comparable to recently reported Li(Ni 1/3 Mn 1/3 Co 1/3 )O 2 combustion synthesis with a 900 • C anneal [3]. Even at a rate of 2.5 C (400 mA g −1 ), our bare sample maintains a capacity of 120 mAh g −1 .…”

“…More recently, Sclar et al reported on Li(Ni 1/3 Mn 1/3 Co 1/3 )O 2 fabrication by self-combustion reaction. By tailoring the temperature during an annealing process, Sclar improved both the capacity and the rate capability of Li(Ni 1/3 Mn 1/3 Co 1/3 )O 2 [3].…”

“…Despite performance gains through changes in synthesis methods, high surface area metal oxides continue to strongly react with standard electrolyte solutions [3]. One quick solution is to prevent electrolyte/electrode interfacial reactions through the application of passive surface coatings.…”

“…One quick solution is to prevent electrolyte/electrode interfacial reactions through the application of passive surface coatings. A variety of coatings, such as ZrO 2 , Al(OH) 3 , CeO 2 , and SnPO 4 have recently been shown to improve both the thermal stability and the rate capability of Li(Ni 1/3 Mn 1/3 Co 1/3 )O 2 [4][5][6][7][8]. However, Al 2 O 3 continues to be the most popular protective surface coating due to the high abundance of aluminum, the low cost of materials, and ease of film deposition.…”

Enhancement of electrochemical performance of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 by surface modification with MnO2

“…Recently, a variety of materials have been developed to substitute all or some of the cobalt with other transition metals [10][11][12][13]. One viable LiCoO 2 replacement material is layered LiNi 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 due to its high reversible capacity, superior safety, less toxicity and low cost [14][15][16]. Unfortunately, there are still two serious shortcomings hindering its further applications.…”