Synthesis and electrochemical properties of LiNi0.87Co0.10Mg0.03O2 cathode materials

A Co-Mg co-substituted LiNi0.87Co0.10Mg0.03O2 cathode material was prepared by a co-precipitation method. The prepared LiNi0.87Co0.10Mg0.03O2 exhibits excellent electrochemical properties, such as initial discharge capacities of 202.6 mA·h/g and 190.5 mA·h/g at 0.2C and 1C rate, respectively, in operating voltage range of 3.0-4.3 V (versus Li+/Li). The capacity retentions are 96.1% and 93.4% at 0.2C and 1C, respectively, after 50 cycles. Moreover, the cycle performance of the sample was investigated in a 053048-type square Li ion battery. This type of battery can keep 81.7% of initial capacity after 500 charge-discharge cycles at 1C rate, which is close to that of commercial LiCoO2 battery. Therefore, the as-prepared material is capable of such high energy applications as portable product power.