Synthesis and characterization of LiCo1/3 Ni1/3 Mn1/3 O2 prepared by Pechini process

Layered cathode material LiCo1/3Ni1/3Mn1/3O2 was synthesized by Pechini process, and investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and galvanostatic charge/discharge cycling. The sample is well-crystallized and has a phase-pure a-NaFeO2 structure. The particle sizes are uniform, and distributed in the range of 20-200 nm. The initial discharge capacity of the Li/LiCo1/3Ni1/3Mn1/3O2 cell was about 149 mAh·g−1 when it was cycled at a voltage range of 4.5-2.3 V with a specific current of 0.25 mA. The result is better in comparison with solid-state solution method. The synthetic procedure was discussed. Three major reactions: chelation, esterification, and polymerization successively occurred.