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.