Synthesis of LiNi0.9Co0.1O2 cathode material for lithium secondary battery by a novel route

The cathode material, LiNi0.9Co0.1O2 was prepared using a rheological phase reaction method with LiOH·H2O, home-made Ni(OH)2, and Co2O3 as starting materials. At first, the mixture of reactants and a proper amount of water reacted to form a rheological precursor. Then the dried precursor was heated at 730 °C in one step to yield the product. The effects of calcination time (between 0.5 and 10 h) on the structural, morphological and electrochemical properties were investigated. All obtained powders show a single phase with α-NaFeO2 structure (R–3m space group). The sample prepared in 2.5 h delivers the largest initial discharge capacity of 218 mA h g− 1 (3.0–4.35 V, 25 mA g− 1) and still remains 192 mA h g− 1 after 15 cycles. The method is simple, economical and effective and is promising for practical application.