Synthesis and Characterization of Spherical LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 Particles with a High Tap-density

Spherical Ni0.8Co0.1Mn0.1(OH)(2) precursors with a high tap-density and a narrow size-distribution were synthesized via coprecipitation using NaOH and NH3 center dot H2O as the precipitation and complexing agents. Spherical LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 particles were then prepared by sintering the mixture of this precursor and LiOH center dot H2O. The prepared materials were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, TGA/DSC and galvanostatically charge/discharge tests. The results indicate that secondary spherulites of the precursors are formed by aggregation of crystals but not by elongated crystals. The reaction time shows a significant effect on the morphology, size-distribution and tap-density of the precursor. The LiNi(0.8)Co(0.1)Mu(0.1)O(2) powders calcined under 750 degrees C for 16 h exhibit a spherical morphology with the highest tap-density (2.98 g/cm(3)) and the largest initial discharge capacity (202.4 mAh/g). More than 92.3% of the capacity is retained after 40 cycles. In addition, the cell delivers a discharge capacity of 174.1 mAh/g at 3C rate.