Synthesis and characterization of LiNi0.49Mn1.49Y0.02O4@Ag by electroless plating technique

Silver (Ag) coated LiNi0.49Mn1.49Y0.02O4 (LiNi0.49Mn1.49Y0.02O4@Ag) was prepared by electroless plating method. The microstructure, surface morphology and electronic conductivity of LiNi0.49Mn1.49Y0.02O4@Ag were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electronic conductivity tests. The results showed that 4 wt% silver was tightly coated in Ag0 state on the surface of LiNi0.49Mn1.49Y0.02O4 to form a uniform Ag-coating layer of about 30 nm. Electrochemical tests stated clearly that the cycling performance of LiNi0.49Mn1.49Y0.02O4@Ag was more stable and the rate capability was more outstanding than that of LiNi0.49Mn1.49Y0.02O4 due to the coating of Ag on the surface of LiNi0.49Mn1.49Y0.02O4 by improving the electronic conductivity, preventing LiNi0.49Mn1.49Y0.02O4 from being attacked by electrolyte, decreasing the electrochemical polarization during cycling and increasing the lithium ion diffusion coefficient on cathode materials.