Electrochemical evaluation of LiCoO2 synthesized by decomposition and intercalation of hydroxides for lithium-ion battery applications

LiCoO2 has been synthesized by a solid-state synthesis route involving the decomposition and intercalation of hydroxide precursors generated by precipitation and freeze-drying. Cyclic voltammetry of LiCoO2 obtained by heating at 100°C for 2h has shown this material to be electrochemically active with an initial discharge capacity of 92mAhg−1. Optimization of processing conditions reduced the firing time to as little as 2h at 800°C, producing LiCoO2 powders with high reversible capacity (142mAhg−1), good rate capability, and good cyclability. The favourable performance of this oxide powder in LiCoO2/C lithium-ion cells using the present oxide powders shows the instant synthesis route to be promising and cost-effective for lithium-ion battery applications.