Binary Cu/LiCr2/3V1/6Mn1/6O2 p-type semiconductor nanocomposite structures as cathode electrodes for Li-ion batteries

In this study, a strategy used to design high capacity, Cu coated LiCr2/3V1/6Mn1/6O2 electrodes for lithium-ion batteries is discussed. The advantages of the LiCr2/3V1/6Mn1/6O2 component and its influence on the structural stability and electrochemical properties of these layered electrodes are highlighted. In this study, LiCr2/3V1/6Mn1/6O2 cathode active materials were prepared via a facile sol–gel method and were then coated with Cu via electroless deposition techniques. Structural, chemical, electrochemical and thermal properties of the phase purity and the structural characterization of the synthesized cathode active electrodes were analyzed by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) using a Rigaku D/Max 2200 system, and Cu Kα radiation. Surface morphology of the synthesized cathode electrodes were analyzed via SEM tests. The electrochemical tests have shown that higher initial discharge capacities are obtained after first cycle. A total discharge capacity of 108 mA h g−1 and 192 mA h g−1 was obtained after first discharge cycle for LiCr2/3V1/6Mn1/6O2 and Cu/LiCr2/3V1/6Mn1/6O2 samples, respectively. Best results were obtained for Cu/LiCr2/3V1/6Mn1/6O2 electrodes and total capacity retention of 88% was obtained after 50 cycles. From the experimental data, it is concluded that both Cr and V substitutions and surface modifying with copper is an effective way to improve the cyclability of Li-ion batteries for commercial applications.