Synthesis of LiMn1/3Ni1/3Co1/3O2 in molten KCl for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries

LiMn1/3Ni1/3Co1/3O2 has been prepared by a simple method using KCl as molten salt and transition metal oxides as reagents. The process is convenient, quick, and environmentally friendly. The effects of the calcination temperature and the calcination time on the structure, morphology, and electrochemical performances of the LiMn1/3Ni1/3Co1/3O2 electrode material have been investigated. Calcinating at 900 °C for 4 h leads to the product having good α-NaFeO2 layer structure and a particle size at micrometer or even sub-micrometer level. When it was discharged between 4.4 and 3.0 V at 16 mA g−1, the initial specific capacity of the LiMn1/3Ni1/3Co1/3O2 synthesized at 900 °C for 4 h was 165 mAh g−1. The investigated electrode materials retained 118 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles when cycled at 320 mA g−1.