Preliminary Studies of Mn-Rich Li[Li_x(Ni_0.3Co_0.1Mn_0.6)_1−x]O₂(x = 0.09, 0.11) as Cathode Active Materials for Lithium Rechargeable Batteries

Abstract

Novel cathode active materials, Li[Li(x)(Ni0.3Co0.1Mn0.6)1-x]O2 (x = 0.09, 0.11) composed of rod-like primary particles, but aggregated spherical shape in appearance, were synthesized. The newly Mn-rich cathode active materials were then adopted as cathodes to show the benefits for Li-ion rechargeable batteries. The results show that to use proper nano-scaled particles as a cathode and to make homogeneous particle sizes have great improvements on electrochemical performances, probably ascribed to enhancement of charge transfer kinetics and lower cell impedance at high voltage region (approximately 4.6 V). The electrochemical performances of Mn-rich cathodes were investigated by cycler (BT2000, Arbin), comparing electrochemical behaviors between room and elevated temperature, 55 degtees C. The morphology of cathodes having nano-scaled particles of active materials and the Mn-rich cathode active materials were investigated using field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and field emission transmission electron microscope (FE-TEM), also the crystalline phase identification was analyzed by high power X-ray diffractometer (XRD).