Synthesis of lithium cobalt oxide by single-step soft hydrothermal method

Lithium cobalt double oxide LiCoO2 was synthesized at 220 °C by soft hydrothermal method using Co(OH)2 and LiOH as precursors, LiOH/NaOH as mineralizers and H2O2 as oxidant. The soft hydrothermal synthesis method offers the dual advantage of a much lower synthesis time and a higher purity in comparison with other synthesis methods. The compound was identified by X-ray diffraction and its purity was checked by magnetic and electron magnetic resonance measurements. The grain morphology was studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy and an exponential growth of particle size with synthesis time was observed.

Concave cuboctohedrons obtained after 60 h reaction time Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► An optimized soft hydrothermal method for a fast synthesis of high purity LiCoO2 compound is reported.
► Both lamellar and cuboctahedral particles could be stabilized.
► Secondary phases content is lower than 0.1%.
► Close to surface defects were evidenced using EMR.