Effects of precipitator on the morphological, structural and electrochemical characteristics of Li[Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3]O2 prepared via carbonate coprecipitation

Three precipitators, i.e. Na2CO3, (NH4)2CO3 and NH4HCO3, are employed to prepare Li[Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3]O2 via the carbonate coprecipitation method. The effects of precipitator on the morphological, structural and electrochemical characteristics of the prepared samples are studied. The sample prepared by using Na2CO3 as precipitator has irregular particle shape and nonuniform particle size, while the sample prepared by using (NH4)2CO3 as precipitator has spherical particle shape and uniform particle size. Among all the samples, the one prepared with (NH4)2CO3 exhibits the best hexagonal layered structure, which results in its highest discharge capacity and best cycling performance. Therefore, precipitator plays an important role in the coprecipitation reaction and makes a great impact on the characteristics of Li[Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3]O2.

Research highlights▶ The precipitator plays an important role in the carbonate coprecipitation reaction. ▶ The kind of precipitator greatly influences the electrochemical characteristics of Li[Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3]O2.