Submicronic LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 synthesized by co-precipitation for lithium ion batteries - Tailoring a classic process for enhanced energy and power density

Some scientific studies report that the use of nanosized cathode materials can improve the electrochemical performances of a battery. In fact, these materials can open new and important perspectives for cathode materials such as their use for power applications or for technologies for which an optimized interface with the electrolyte is required (e.g all solid state battery or polymer battery). However, the high scale production and the processing of these powders to obtain dense electrodes are difficult. In this study, submicronic particles of LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 are synthesized using an easy and scalable coprecipitation synthesis protocol. Isolated particles of 200 nm are obtained and are fully characterized. The non-agglomerated morphology of this material improves the accessibility of the lithium insertion planes, and consequently, the high C-rate behavior is clearly improved as compared to classic agglomerate materials. The difficult processing of submicronic particles is overcome thanks to an environmentally-friendly water-based formulation. Proof-of-concept Li-ion cells have been realized. Although submicronic particles are used, the cell is manufactured with a cathode loading of 18.8 mg cm−2 which is relevant for commercial application.