Synthesis and characterization of LiCoO2 electrode material by citrate sol-gel method

LiCoO2 precursors of the cathode material for lithium-ion batteries were prepared from lithium hydroxide, basic cobalt carbonate and citric acid by a sol-gel method. The LiCoO2 samples were obtained by sintening the gel precursors at different temperatures and for different times. The thermal decomposition behavior of the gel precursors was examined by means of thermo-gravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis using a PCT-IA thermal analyzer system. Their structures and morphologies were characterized by powder XRD and SEM techniques. It was found that using citric acid realized that the formation of LiCoO2 crystal can be clearly differentiated to the nucleation and growth processes of the crystals; furthermore, the crystal size can be controlled. Electrochemical tests using the LAND BT1-10 test system showed the electrochemical performance of the material is affected by its integrity and stability.