Synthesis and characterization of blended cathode materials as improvement on the electrochemical performance in Li-ion battery

Layered LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 and blended spinel/layered LiMn2O4/LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 structures as cathode materials were synthesized by using a facile solid-state method, and calcination temperatures and the blended structure were investigated. The samples are characterized via X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electrochemical measurements. Based on the characterization results, we can conclude that the powders obtained at 850 degrees C yield materials with improved layered structural ordering; consequently, these structures are able to deliver discharge capacities up to 126.5 mAh g(-1), after 75 cycles. Besides, the obtained blended cathodes (CS@NCM-850) exhibit markedly improved electrochemical perfor-mance (143 mAh g(-1), after 75 cycles) and rate capability (with the discharge capacity values higher than in the NCM-850 electrode at all rates).