Synthesis of Li[Li1.19Ni0.16Co0.08Mn0.57]O2 cathode materials with a high volumetric capacity for Li-ion batteries

Microscale Li[Li0.19Ni0.16Co0.08Mn0.57]O2 powders with a high tap density were synthesized using [Ni0.2Co0.1Mn0.7]Ox precursor with a unique microstructure via coprecipitation in flowing air. The synthesized Li[Li0.19Ni0.16Co0.08Mn0.57]O2 powders were composed of spherical nanosized primary particles, which results in a high tap density due to the high packing of the spherical primary particles. When used as electrode in a lithium cell, Li[Li0.19Ni0.16Co0.08Mn0.57]O2 exhibits a very high gravimetric capacity of 263 mAh g−1 and a volumetric capacity of 956 mAh cm−3, as well as an excellent rate capability delivering a discharge capacity of 202 mAh g−1 at a 2 C-rate. TEM analysis together with SEM observations show that the electrochemical performance of the Li[Li0.19Ni0.16Co0.08Mn0.57]O2 electrode is primarily governed by its microstructure.

► The optimized synthesis procedure adopted in this work leads to a material with an unusually high tap density.
► The layered oxide version has an excellent performance in lithium ion cells.
► Specific volumetric capacity exceeding those offered by standard lithium-ion battery cathode materials are demonstrated.