Molten salt synthesis of Li1 + x (Ni0.5Mn0.5)1 − xO2 as cathode material for Li-ion batteries

Li1 + x(Ni0.5Mn0.5)1 − xO2 cathode material for Li-ion batteries has been prepared by a molten salt method using Li2CO3 salt. The influences of synthetic temperature and time have been intensively investigated. It is easy to obtain materials with a hexagonal α-NaFeO2 structure except broad peaks between 20° and 25°. Nickel in Li1 + x(Ni0.5Mn0.5)1 − xO2 is oxidized to a trivalent state while manganese maintained a tetravalent state. It is found that the discharge capacities of all samples increase with cycling. The sample prepared at 850 °C for 5 h has a discharge capacity of 130 mAh g− 1 between 2.5 and 4.5 V versus VLi+/Li at a specific current of 0.13 mA cm− 2 after 50 cycles at 25 °C.