High rate performances of the cathode material LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 synthesized using low temperature hydroxide precipitation

A low-temperature reaction route is introduced based on hydroxide precipitation method to synthesize the cathode material LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2. The crystal structure and morphology of the prepared powder have been characterized by X-ray diffraction and Scan electron microscope, respectively. The charge–discharge tests were performed between 2.5 and 4.5 V. The discharge capacity of the material is strongly impacted by the reaction temperature. The powders sintered at 850 °C show the best electrochemical performance and the initial discharge capacity is about 160 mAh g−1 at 5 C. Powder X-ray diffraction and Scan electron microscope results reveal that the excellent electrochemical performances should be ascribed to the lower precursor reaction temperature, the lower degree of cation mixing and analogous spherical small particles, which can improve the transfer of Li ions and electrons. All these results indicate that this material has potential application in lithium-ion batteries.

Graphical abstractA low-temperature reaction route is introduced based on hydroxide precipitation method to synthesize a cathode material LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2. The charge–discharge tests were performed at 1000 mA g−1 between 2.5 and 4.5 V and the discharge capacity is about 160 mAh g−1. The discharge capacity of the material is strongly impacted by the reaction temperature. The powders sintered at 850 °C show the best electrochemical performance.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► A low-temperature reaction route is introduced based on hydroxide precipitation method to synthesize a novel cathode material LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2. ► The charge–discharge tests were performed at higher current as 5 C between 2.5 and 4.5 V. ► The discharge capacity of the material is strongly impacted by the reaction temperature. The powders sintered at 850 °C show the best electrochemical performance.