Synthesis of LiNiO2 cathode materials with homogeneous Al doping at the atomic level

Aluminum doped LiNiO2 cathode materials are synthesized by using Raney nickel as the starting material. The structure and composition are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with elemental mapping. The lithium deficiency is analyzed by Rieveld refinement. The initial capacity and retention of capacity are correlated to the lithium deficiency of the resulting cathode material. Using strong oxidant of Li2O2 in the synthesis results in materials with improved electrochemical cyclability. The improvement is related to the diminishing of lithium deficiency in strong oxidizing synthesis conditions.

► Homogeneous Ni–Al alloy as starting material. ► Strong oxidant resulting in materials with better performance. ► Highly porous structure of Raney nickel gives access to lithium precursors.