Influences of carbonate co-precipitation temperature and stirring time on the microstructure and electrochemical properties of Li1.2[Mn0.52Ni0.2Co0.08]O2 positive electrode for lithium ion battery

The 0.6Li2MnO3 · 0.4Li [Ni0.5Co0.2Mn0.3]O2 (Li1.2[Mn0.52Ni0.2Co0.08]O2) nanoparticles have been synthesized using a co-precipitation method. The conventional chelating agent NH3 · H2O was replaced by environmentally friendly sodium lactate, and then the influences of carbonate co-precipitation temperature and stirring time on the microstructure and electrochemical properties of Li1.2[Mn0.52Ni0.2Co0.08]O2-positive electrode are discussed systematically. The crystal structure, particle morphology and electrochemical properties of the as-prepared samples are studied by XRD, SEM and charge-discharge tests. The optimal material (Li1.2[Mn0.52Ni0.2Co0.08]O2-60 °C/16 h) had a spherical particle shape and a well-ordered layered structure, as well as high tap-density and a low cation-mixing degree. In addition, the sample delivers the best electrochemical properties with a capacity retention of 96.58% (189.1 mAh g− 1) after 100 cycles at 0.5C rate and the highest discharge capacity of 175.2 mAh g− 1 at 1C rate.