Improved electrochemical performance of the Li1.2Ni0.13Co0.13Mn0.54O2 wired by CNT networks for lithium-ion batteries

• A well-connected CNTs-wired Li-rich cathode was synthesized by spray drying.
• The CNTs-wired cathode exhibits higher capacity and improved coulombic efficiency.
• The CNT wiring enhance the rate performance of the Li-rich cathode with capacity of 183.5 mAh g−1 at 5C.
• The wired CNTs facilitate the Li-ion diffusion and electronic conductivity of the Li-rich cathode.

The layered Li1.2Ni0.13Co0.13Mn0.54O2 cathode material has been synthesized and wired with CNT networks by spray drying technology. Homogeneous CNT networks were wired intimately on the surface of the pristine material. After CNT networks wiring, the electrode discharged superior initial capacity of 250.5 mAh g−1 at 0.2C between 2.5 and 4.65 V with initial coulombic efficiency improved to 81.7% from 74.3% (the pristine), and moreover, it shows higher rate capability with the capacity of 183.5 mAh g−1 at 5C. The improved electrochemical performances of the CNT networks-wired sample were mainly attributed to the enhanced electronic conductivity and kinetics of both the lithium-ion diffusion through surface layer and the charge transfer reaction.