Influence of synthesis technique on the structural and electrochemical properties of “cobalt-free”, layered type Li1+x(Mn0.4Ni0.4Fe0.2)1−xO2 (0 < x < 0.4) cathode material for lithium secondary battery

We report the influence of synthesis techniques on the structural and electrochemical behavior of cobalt-free, low-cost and eco-friendly layered type Li1+x(Mn0.4Ni0.4Fe0.2)1−xO2 (0 < x < 0.4) cathodes for Li-ion batteries. Layered phase, Li1+x(Mn0.4Ni0.4Fe0.2)1−xO2 (0 < x < 0.4) was prepared by sol–gel, co-precipitation, acetate precipitation and mixed hydroxide method and by subsequent sintering at 700 °C under oxygen flow. X-ray diffraction experiments revealed the presence of α-NaFeO2 type structure with R3¯m space group in the prepared materials. Among the layered phase compounds, material prepared by mixed hydroxide method delivered maximum reversible capacity of 207 mAh g−1 at current density of 0.1 mA cm−2 between 2 and 4.5 V vs. Li with excellent capacity retention characteristics as well. In addition, influence of “x” on electrochemical properties of Li1+x(Mn0.4Ni0.4Fe0.2)1−xO2 (0 < x < 0.4) were also investigated and such samples were prepared by mixed hydroxide route.