Optimized electrochemical performance of Ni rich LiNi0.91Co0.06Mn0.03O2 cathodes for high-energy lithium ion batteries

We report high electrochemical performances of LiNi0.91Co0.06Mn0.03O2 cathode material for high-energy lithium ion batteries. LiNi0.91Co0.06Mn0.03O2 is synthesized at various sintering temperatures (640~740 °C). The sintering temperatures affect crystallinity and structural stability, which play an important role in electrochemical performances of LiNi0.91Co0.06Mn0.03O2. The electrochemical performances are improved with increasing sintering temperature up to an optimal sintering temperature. The LiNi0.91Co0.06Mn0.03O2 sintered at 660 °C shows remarkably excellent performances such as initial discharge capacity of 211.5 mAh/g at 0.1 C, cyclability of 85.3% after 70 cycles at 0.5 C and rate capability of 90.6% at 2 C as compared to 0.5 C. These results validate that LiNi0.91Co0.06Mn0.03O2 sintered at 660 °C can be regarded as a next generation cathode.