Synthesis and electrochemical performance of Li(Ni0.8Co0.15Al0.05)0.8(Ni0.5Mn0.5)0.2O2 with core–shell structure as cathode material for Li-ion batteries

The core–shell structure cathode material Li(Ni0.8Co0.15Al0.05)0.8(Ni0.5Mn0.5)0.2O2 (LNCANMO) was synthesized via a co-precipitation method. Its applicability as a cathode material for lithium ion batteries was investigated. The core–shell particle consists of LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 (LNCAO) as the core and a LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2 as the shell. The thickness of the LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2 layer is approximately 1.25 μm, as estimated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The cycling behavior between 2.8 and 4.3 V at a current rate of 18 mA g−1 shows a reversible capacity of about 195 mAh g−1 with little capacity loss after 50 cycles. High-rate capability testing shows that even at a rate of 5 C, a stable capacity of approximately 127 mAh g−1 is retained. In contrast, the capacity of LNCAO rapidly decreases in cyclic and high rate tests. The observed higher current rate capability and cycle stability of LNCANMO can be attributed to the lower impedance including charge transfer resistance and surface film resistance. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) indicates that LNCANMO had a much improved oxygen evolution onset temperature of approximately 251 °C, and a much lower level of exothermic-heat release compared to LNCAO. The improved thermal stability of the LNCANMO can be ascribed to the thermally stable outer shell of LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2, which suppresses oxygen release from the host lattice and not directly come into contact with the electrolyte solution. In particular, LNCANMO is shown to exhibit improved electrochemical performance and is a safe material for use as an electrode for lithium ion batteries.

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► The core-shell structure was synthesized via co-precipitation and calcination.
► The core-shell particle consisted of LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 core and LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2 shell.
► The core with high capacity and the shell with thermal stability were introduced to the cathode.
► The improved electrochemical properties are attributed to characteristics of core and shell.