Ni-rich LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 nanoparticles enwrapped by a 3D graphene erogel network as a high-performance cathode material for Li-ion batteries

A unique 3D porous graphene aerogel wrapped LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 nanoparticle composite (NCM@GA) was prepared via a facile coprecipitation followed with a hydrothermal treatment. The morphological and structural characterizations reveal that the graphene nanosheets adhere tightly to the NCM nanoparticle surface and randomly intertwine to form a three-dimensional porous conductive aerogel network. The galvanostatic charge/discharge tests imply that the NCM@GA composite displays a high initial discharge capacity of 189.9 mAh g(-1) (0.1 C), an excellent rate capability of 130.9 mAh g(-1) (5 C) and 106.8 mAh g(-1) (10 C), and an outstanding cyclic stability (an average decay rate of approximately 0.04% over 200 cycles at 1 C). The outstanding electrochemical performance is due to the synergy between the porous GA framework and the well-dispersed NCM nanoparticles, which facilitates the rapid diffusion of both Li+ and electrons and accommodates the volumetric change during the Li+ insertion/deinsertion process. The novel electrode design strategy described here is promising for constructing other advanced composite cathodes used in power Li-ion batteries.