The characteristics of Ni–Co–Mn–O precursor and Li(Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3)O2 cathode powders prepared by spray pyrolysis

Ni–Co–Mn–O precursor powders with spherical shape and dense structure were prepared by spray pyrolysis from a spray solution containing a drying control chemical additive (DCCA) and polymeric precursors. In contrast, the Ni–Co–Mn–O precursor powders obtained from a spray solution without additives had a hollow and porous morphology. Ni–Co–Mn–O precursor powders with a spherical shape and dense structure yielded Li(Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3)O2 cathode powders with a spherical shape and fine size by means of a solid-state reaction with lithium hydroxide. The mean size of the spherical cathode powder was 1.1 μm. The discharge capacity of the Li(Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3)O2 powders with spherical shape and filled morphology was 195 mA h g−1 at a current density of 0.1 C. The discharge capacities of the cathode powders with spherical shape and filled morphology at 55 °C decreased from 183 to 154 mA h g−1 by the 30th cycle at a current density of 0.5 C.