Medium-frequency induction sintering of lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide cathode materials for lithium ion batteries

• The performance of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 (LNCM) at different temperatures is studied.
• The induction heating is capable of preparing highly-crystalline LNCM powders.
• The carbon coating onto LNCM is a crucial factor in facilitating cell performance.
• The C-coated LNCM cathode shows high capacity retention at 55 °C after 50 cycles.

This study examines the electrochemical performance of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 (LNCM) cathode, prepared by a medium-frequency induction sintering technique. The induction heating method is capable of preparing highly-crystalline LNCM powders. The carbon coating onto LNCM powders appears as a crucial factor in facilitating the specific capacity, rate capability, and cyclic stability. The discharge capacities of C-coated LNCM cathode can reach to 184.6 and 202.3 mAh g− 1 at 25 and 55 °C, respectively. This enhanced performance can be ascribed to fast Li+ diffusion in the solid solution and electron jumping across the LNCM cathode, with the aid of carbon layer over the LNCM cathode.