Influence of preparation method on structure, morphology, and electrochemical performance of spherical Li[Ni0.5Mn0.3Co0.2]O2

Spherical Li[Ni0.5Mn0.3Co0.2]O2 was prepared by both the continuous hydroxide co-precipitation method and continuous carbonate co-precipitation method under different calcined temperatures. The physical properties and electrochemical behaviors of Li[Ni0.5Mn0.3Co0.2]O2 prepared by two methods were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and electrochemical measurements. It has been found that different preparation methods will result in the differences in the morphology (shape, particle size, and tap density), structure stability, and the electrochemical characteristics (shape of initial charge/discharge curve, cycle stability, and rate capability) of the final product Li[Ni0.5Mn0.3Co0.2]O2. The physical and electrochemical properties of the spherical Li[Ni0.5Mn0.3Co0.2]O2 prepared by continuous hydroxide co-precipitation is apparently superior to the one prepared by continuous carbonate co-precipitation method. The optimal sample prepared by continuous hydroxide co-precipitation at 820 °C exhibits a hexagonally ordered layer structure, high special discharge capacity, good capacity retention, and excellent rate capability. It delivers high initial discharge capacity of 175.2 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C rate between 3.0 and 4.3 V, and the capacity retention of 98.8 % can be maintained after 50 cycles. While the voltage range is broadened up to 2.5 and 4.6 V vs. Li+/Li, the special discharge capacities at 0.2 C, 0.5 C, 1 C, 2 C, 5 C, and 10 C rates are as high as 214.3, 205.0, 198.3, 183.3, 160.1 and 135.2 mAh g−1, respectively.