Comparison of the structural and electrochemical properties of layered Li[NixCoyMnz]O2 (x = 1/3, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8 and 0.85) cathode material for lithium-ion batteries

In this study we report the effects of the Ni content on the electrochemical properties and the structural and thermal stabilities of Li[NixCoyMnz]O2 (x = 1/3, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8 and 0.85) synthesized via a coprecipitation method. The electrochemical and thermal properties of Li[NixCoyMnz]O2 are strongly dependent on its composition. An increase of the Ni content results in an increase of specific discharge capacity and total residual lithium content but the corresponding capacity retention and safety characteristics gradually decreased. The structural stability is related to the thermal and electrochemical stabilities, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction, thermal gravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. Developing an ideal cathode material with both high capacity and safety will be a challenging task that requires precise control of microstructure and physico-chemical properties of the electrode.

Graphical abstractWe studied the fundamental characteristics of the Li[NixCoyMnz]O2 electrodes in a wide range of Ni concentrations (1/3 ≤ x ≤ 0.85) for Li-ion battery. An increase of the Ni content results in an increase of capacity but the corresponding capacity retention and safety characteristics gradually decreased.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Li[NixCoyMnz]O2 were synthesized via a coprecipitation method. ► The electrochemical and thermal properties are dependent on their compositions. ► Increasing Ni content raises the capacity whereas increasing Mn content improves safety.