Effect of Co content on performance of LiAl1/3−xCoxNi1/3Mn1/3O2 compounds for lithium-ion batteries

Layered LiAl_1/3−xCo_xNi_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ (0  x  1/3) compounds were studied via the combination of computational and experimental approach. The calculated voltage curve of LiNi_1/3Al_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ compound is presented, indicating it is of great potential for a cathode material of lithium-ion batteries. Unfortunately, it was found that the LiNi_1/3Al_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ compound without impurity phase could not be synthesized via a sol–gel process. To obtain a layered compound without impurity phase, partial of Al is replaced by Co in LiNi_1/3Al_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ compound in this study. Layered LiAl_1/3−xCo_xNi_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ (0  x  1/3) compounds were synthesized via sol–gel reaction at 900 °C under a oxygen stream. Single phase of the LiAl_1/3−xCo_xNi_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ in 1/6  x  1/3 region could be prepared successfully. The discharge capacity and conductivity increased with an increase in the Co-substitution content. The enhancement of the conductivity and phase purity by the introduction of Co content shows profound influence on the performance of the LiAl_1/3−xCo_xNi_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ compounds.     

Structural and electrochemical properties of Li1+xNi0.5Mn0.5O2+δ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.7) cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries

A comparative analysis of the properties of LiNi_0.5Mn_0.5O₂ and Li_1+xNi_0.5Mn_0.5O₂ (0.2 ≤ x ≤ 0.7) powders, obtained by the freeze drying method, was performed. Lattice parameters of Li_1+xNi_0.5Mn_0.5O₂ decreased considerably with growing amounts of Li until x = 0.3; at x > 0.5 trace amounts of Li₂MnO₃ are observed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis displayed an increase of Ni³⁺/Ni²⁺ ratio at 0.3 < x < 0.5, while Mn 2p spectra were almost identical in all samples. Rechargeable capacity values (V = 2.5–4.6 V) increased systematically with x reaching its maximum (185–190 mAh g⁻¹) at x = 0.5. Samples with superstoichiometric lithium content also demonstrated good C rate characteristics.     

Synthesis and electrochemical studies on Al2O3 coated LiNi0.5Co0.44Fe0.06VO4 for lithium ion batteries

LiNi_0.5Co_0.44Fe_0.06VO₄ cathode material has been synthesized by a citric acid:polyethylene glycol polymeric method at 723 K for 5 h in air. The surface of the LiNi_0.5Co_0.44Fe_0.06VO₄ was coated with various wt.% of Al₂O₃ by a wet chemical procedure and heat treated 873 K for 2 h in air. The samples were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, and TEM techniques. XRD patterns expose that the complete crystalline phase occurred at 723 K and there was no indication of new peaks for the coated samples. FTIR spectra show that the complete removal of organic residues and the formation of LiNi_0.5Co_0.44Fe_0.06VO₄. TG/DTGA results reveal that the formation of LiNi_0.5Co_0.44Fe_0.06VO₄ occurred between 480 and 670 K and the complete crystalline occurred at 723 K. SEM micrographs show the various morphological stages of the polymeric intermediates. TEM micrographs of the pristine LiNi_0.5Co_0.44Fe_0.06VO₄ reveal that the particle size ranged from 130 to 150 nm and Al₂O₃ coating on the fine particles was compact and had an average thickness of about 15 nm. The charge–discharge experiments were carried out between 2.8 and 4.9 V (versus Li) at a current rate of 0.15 C. The 1.0 wt.% Al₂O₃ coated sample had the best electrochemical performance, with an initial capacity of 65 mAh g⁻¹ and capacity retention of 60% after 50 cycles. The electrochemical impedance behavior suggests that the failure of pristine cathode performance is associated with an increase in the impedance growth on the surface of the cathode material upon continuous cycling.     

Graphite modified LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 cathodes with improved performance for lithium-ion battery

通过丝网印刷方法用石墨改性LiNi_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3O₂（NCM）电极片的表面。采用X射线衍射（XRD）和扫描电子显微镜（SEM）表征未改性和改性电极片的晶体结构和形貌特征,恒流充放电测试评估两种样品的电池性能,CV和EIS测试比较两种样品的电化学极化程度。结果表明,改性NCM电极的晶体结构没有明显变化;在改性电极片的表面上检测到了片状石墨;在截止电压为4.3 V的条件下改性样品比未改性样品具有更好的循环性能和倍率性能;石墨印刷的样品可以减缓电化学极化的增加。     

AC Impedance of Li(Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3)O2/graphite cell as UPS

以Li（Ni_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3）O₂/graphite动力电池为研究对象,在模拟备用电源工况下对动力电池进行交流阻抗测试。通过建立等效电路来研究欧姆阻抗R_s、电荷传递阻抗R_ct和扩散阻抗CPE_W随不同搁置时间、荷电状态（state of charge,SOC）的变化规律,研究Li（Ni_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3）O₂/graphite动力电池在备用电源工况下,容量和阻抗的变化趋势。结果表明：随着搁置时间的增加,电池容量衰减1.7%左右。随着搁置时间的增加,不同SOC下的欧姆阻抗R_s具有相同的变化趋势,电荷传递阻抗明显增加。随着SOC的降低,由双电层产生的电荷传递阻抗在逐渐增加。在SOC=0%时,扩散阻抗随搁置时间的增加而增加,在SOC=100%、50%的扩散阻抗有细微的增加。容量衰退和阻抗结果显示出Li（Ni_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3）O₂/graphite动力电池可以很好地在备用电源工况上使用。     

Electrochemical performance of Nd0.6Sr0.4Co0.5Fe0.5O3−δ–Ag composite cathodes in intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells

The electrochemical performances of Nd_0.6Sr_0.4Co_0.5Fe_0.5O_3−δ–Ag composite cathodes have been investigated in intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells. The Nd_0.6Sr_0.4Co_0.5Fe_0.5O_3−δ–Ag cathodes prepared by ball milling followed by firing at 920 °C show the maximum performance (power density: 0.15 W cm⁻² at 800 °C) at 3 wt.% Ag. On the other hand, the Nd_0.6Sr_0.4Co_0.5Fe_0.5O_3−δ–Ag composite cathodes with 0.1 mg cm⁻² (0.5 wt.%) Ag that were prepared by an impregnation of Ag into Nd_0.6Sr_0.4Co_0.5Fe_0.5O_3−δ followed by firing at 700 °C (but the electrolyte–Nd_0.6Sr_0.4Co_0.5Fe_0.5O_3−δ assembly was prepared first by firing at 1100 °C) exhibit much better performance (power density: 0.27 W cm⁻² at 800 °C) than the composite cathodes prepared by ball milling, despite a much smaller amount of Ag due to a better dispersion and an enhanced adhesion. AC impedance analysis indicates that the Ag catalysts dispersed in the porous Nd_0.6Sr_0.4Co_0.5Fe_0.5O_3−δ cathode reduce the ohmic and the polarization resistances due to an increased electronic conductivity and enhanced electrocatalytic activity.     

Preparation,electrochemical performance and phase transition of high voltage LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cathode material

尖晶石LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄因其可在4.7 V高电位下工作并有良好的循环特性,已成为最具潜力的高能量密度锂离子电池正极材料。本文首先采用喷雾干燥辅助烧结法制备了LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄正极材料,考察了热处理条件对材料结构与性能的影响。用XRD、SEM和FT-IR等技术对所制备的LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄材料的结构和表面形貌进行表征,利用原位XRD技术研究了LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄正极材料在充放电过程中结构相变规律。结果表明,所制备的LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄材料均具有Fd-3m空间群的立方相尖晶石型结构,并具有优异的电化学性能,其0.1 C时首次放电容量为132 mA·h/g,首轮库仑效率93.48%,高倍率下该材料的电化学性能优越。原位XRD测量结果分析表明,尖晶石型LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄材料在充电过程中存在4个显著的相变过程,在嵌脱锂过程中,从四面体相向立方相结构相变过程是可逆的。     

Electrochromic properties of lithiated Co-oxide (LixCoO2) and Ni-oxide (LixNiO2) thin films prepared by the sol–gel route

Layered Li_xCoO₂ and Li_xNiO₂ thin films (x1) were prepared by a peroxo wet chemistry route from Li(I), Co(II) and Ni(II) acetate precursors and the addition of H₂O₂. Structural changes during the processing of xerogel to final oxide were followed by X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. Electrochromic properties were determined with in-situ potentiodynamic, potentiostatic and galvanostatic spectroelectrochemical measurements. Single dipped films with composition Li_0.99Co_1.01O₂ or Li_0.94Ni_1.06O₂ exhibited stable voltammetric response in 1 M LiClO₄/propylene carbonate electrolyte after about 60 cycles. The total charge exchanged in a reversible charging/discharging cycle was about ±30 mC cm⁻² for Li_0.99Co_1.01O₂ and ±20 mC cm⁻² for Li_0.94Ni_1.06O₂ oxide films. Galvanostatic measurements showed that about 1/2 (x0.5) and 2/3 (x0.3) of Li⁺ ions could be reversibly removed from the structure of Li_0.99Co_1.01O₂ and Li_0.94Ni_1.06O₂ films, respectively. Practical applicability of Li_0.99Co_1.01O₂ and Li_0.94Ni_1.06O₂ oxide films was studied in electrochromic devices with WO₃(H⁺)Li⁺ormolyteLi_0.99Co_1.01O₂ and WO₃(H⁺)Li⁺ormolyteLi_0.94Ni_1.06O₂ configuration. The monochromatic transmittance T_s (λ=633 nm) of dark blue coloured devices was extremely low (T_s3%), whereas in bleached state the value reached around T_s70%.     

The cycle life investigation for spinel LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 full cells

分别以石墨和钛酸锂为负极活性物质,制备了尖晶石镍锰酸锂的32131型圆柱锂离子电池.石墨负极电池和钛酸锂负极电池容量分别为7.5 A·h和5.5 A·h,质量能量密度分别达到152 W·h/kg和81 W·h/kg.常温充放电循环测试结果表明,石墨和钛酸锂两种负极体系电池循环寿命将分别达到400次和1000次,这种循环寿命的差别主要体现在负极上,即正极材料中溶解的Mn在石墨负极表面沉积并持续催化SEI膜生成,减少了电池中可使用的活性Li⁺,进而导致电池寿命快速衰减;相比而言,钛酸锂负极表面不存在明显SEI,同时正极过量设计电池也使得钛酸锂体系电池的镍锰酸锂与电解液间的界面副反应低于石墨体系的负极过量设计电池.     

Electrochemical thermal stability of the LiFePO4/LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 blend cathode material for lithium ion batteries

为了改善LiNi_0.8Co_0.15Al_0.05O₂正极材料的电化学热稳定性能,加入LiFePO₄共混制成了LiFePO₄/LiNi_0.8Co_0.15Al_0.05O₂锂离子电池用混合正极材料。使用X射线衍射（XRD）和扫描电子显微镜（SEM）表征了结构和形貌,测试了电化学性能。结果显示,简单球磨的混合LiFePO₄/LiNi_0.8Co_0.15Al_0.05O₂正极材料中,纳米LiFePO₄粒子包覆在LiNi_0.8Co_0.15Al_0.05O₂粒子表面提高了混合正极材料在充放电过程中的电化学稳定性和结构稳定性。LiFePO₄/LiNi_0.8Co_0.15Al_0.05O₂混合正极材料在50 ℃下循环100周容量保持率为82.0%,明显地优于单一LiNi_0.8Co_0.15Al_0.05O₂材料的72.9%。     

A screen-printed Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.9 film solid oxide fuel cell with a Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ cathode

Screen-printing technology was developed to fabricate Ce_0.8Sm_0.2O_1.9 (SDC) electrolyte films onto porous NiO–SDC green anode substrates. After sintering at 1400 °C for 4 h, a gas-tight SDC film with a thickness of 12 μm was obtained. A novel cathode material of Ba_0.5Sr_0.5Co_0.8Fe_0.2O_3−δ was subsequently applied onto the sintered SDC electrolyte film also by screen-printing and sintered at 970 °C for 3 h to get a single cell. A fuel cell of Ni–SDC/SDC (12 μm)/Ba_0.5Sr_0.5Co_0.8Fe_0.2O_3−δ provides the maximum power densities of 1280, 1080, 670, 370, 180 and 73 mW cm⁻² at 650, 600, 555, 505, 455 and 405 °C, respectively, using hydrogen as fuel and stationary air as oxidant. When dry methane was used as fuel, the maximum power densities are 876, 568, 346 and 114 mW cm⁻² at 650, 600, 555 and 505 °C, respectively. The present fuel cell shows excellent performance at lowered temperatures.     

Cycle characterizations of LiMxMn2−xO4 (M=Co, Ni) materials for lithium secondary battery at wide voltage region

LiM_xMn_2−xO₄ (M=Co, Ni) materials have been synthesized by a melt-impregnation method using γ-MnOOH as the manganese source. Highly crystallized LiM_xMn_2−xO₄ compounds were synthesized at a calcination temperature of 800°C for 24 h in air. All compounds show a single phase except for LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ based on the X-ray diffraction (XRD) diagram. With the increase of the doping content from 0.1 to 0.5, the capacity of doping materials decreases mainly in the 4 V region.

Although LiM_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ (M=Co, Ni) compound shows a small capacity in the (3+4) V region compared with parent LiMn₂O₄, it is a very effective material in reducing capacity loss in the 3 V region that is caused by the Jahn–Teller distortion. The doping of Co and Ni ions in the LiMn₂O₄ cathode material promotes the stability of this structure and provides an excellent cyclability.     

Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance of MmNi3.6Co0.7Mn0.4Al0.3 alloy electrode before and after treatment with a hot alkaline solution containing reducing agent

The hydrogen storage alloy (MmNi_3.6Co_0.7Mn_0.4Al_0.3, Mm=Ce-rich mischmetal) electrodes were treated in an alkaline solution containing a reducing agent (KBH₄ or NaH₂PO₂). Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) were applied to characterize the electrochemical properties of the alloy electrodes before and after surface treatment. The results show that the charging efficiency and electrochemical reaction activity of metal hydride (MH) electrode were markedly improved by the treating. The reaction of the untreated MH electrode was chiefly controlled by the charge transfer process at the interface of electrode/electrolyte, or by the mixture of the charge transfer and hydrogen diffusion processes, but the reaction of the treated electrode was mainly controlled by hydrogen atom's diffusion in the alloy bulk. The results of EIS measurements indicate that the charge transfer resistance of MH electrode was reduced and its specific surface area augmented after treatment.     

The effect of annealing on the electrochemical properties of Zr0.5Ti0.5Mn0.5V0.3Co0.2Ni1.1 alloy electrodes

The annealing treatment was found to result in the improvement in the cyclic stability but the degradation of discharge capacity, activation and high-rate dischargeability for Zr_0.5Ti_0.5Mn_0.5V_0.3Co_0.2Ni_1.1 alloy electrode. A lower discharge potential in the annealed alloy electrode was found owing to a more homogeneous alloy, which is consistent with the pressure–composition isotherms (P–C–T) measurement. We found that the annealed alloy also had lower and flatter pressure plateaus, and larger pressure hysteresis. At high discharge rates, the hydrogen diffusion in the bulk of the alloy was the rate-determining step. The diffusion coefficients for hydrogen in the annealed and as-cast alloys were calculated to be 1.4×10⁻¹² cm² s⁻¹ and 4.3×10⁻¹² cm² s⁻¹, respectively. The lowering of high-rate discharge capacity can be ascribed to the reason that the hydrogen diffusion coefficient is lower due to homogeneous microstructure in the annealed alloy.     

Electrochemical properties of the LaNi3.55Mn0.4Al0.3Co0.4Fe0.35 hydrogen storage alloy

The electrochemical properties of LaNi_3.55Mn_0.4Al_0.3Co_0.4Fe_0.35 hydrogen storage alloy have been studied through chronopotentiometric, chronoamperometric and cyclic voltammogram measurements. The maximum capacity value obtained was 265 mAh g⁻¹ at rate C/6 and the capacity decrease was recorded by 1.5% after 30 cycles. The values of the hydrogen diffusion coefficient D_H obtained through cyclic volammogram and chronoamperometric techniques were, respectively, 7.01 × 10⁻⁸ cm² s⁻¹ and 4.23 × 10⁻¹¹ cm² s⁻¹.     

PMMA-assisted synthesis of Li1−xNi0.5Mn1.5O4−δ for high-voltage lithium batteries with expanded rate capability at high cycling temperatures

In this work, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), a non-surfactant polymer was used to synthesize nonstoichiometric Li_0.82Ni_0.52Mn_1.52O_4−δ (0 ≤ δ ≤ 0.25) spinels. The presence of the polymer was found to be beneficial with a view to facilitating the use of the spinel in electrodes for lithium batteries. Thus, PMMA allowed spinel particles of a high crystallinity and uniform size and shape to be obtained, and particle size to be tailored by using an appropriate calcining temperature and time. By controlling these variables, spinels in nanometric, submicrometric and micrometric particle sizes were prepared and characterized by chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, thermogravimetry and nitrogen adsorptions measurements. The spinels were obtained as highly crystalline phases with lithium and oxygen deficiency and some cation disorder as revealed by chemical analysis, thermogravimetric and XRD data. Their electrochemical performance in two-electrode cells was tested at room temperature and 50 °C over a wide range of charge/discharge rates (from C/4 to 4C). Cell performance was found to depend on particle size rather than on structural properties. Thus, the spinel best performing at 50 °C was that consisting of submicrometric particles, which delivered a high capacity and exhibited the best capacity retention and rate capability. Particles of submicronic size share the advantages of nanometric particles (viz. the ability to withstand high charge/discharge rates) and micrometric particles (a high capacity and stability at low rates).     

Synthesis and electrochemical studies of the 4 V cathode, Li(Ni2/3Mn1/3)O2

Layered Li(Ni_2/3Mn_1/3)O₂ compounds are prepared by freeze-drying, mixed carbonate and molten salt methods at high temperature. The phases are characterized by X-ray diffraction, Rietveld refinement, and other methods. Electrochemical properties are studied versus Li-metal by charge–discharge cycling and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The compound prepared by the carbonate route shows a stable capacity of 145 (±3) mAh g⁻¹ up to 100 cycles in the range 2.5–4.3 V at 22 mA g⁻¹. In the range 2.5–4.4 V at 22 mA g⁻¹, the compound prepared by molten salt method has a stable capacity of 135 (±3) mAh g⁻¹ up to 50 cycles and retains 96% of this value after 100 cycles. Capacity-fading is observed in all the compounds when cycled in the range 2.5–4.5 V. All the compounds display a clear redox process at 3.65–4.0 V that corresponds to the Ni^2+/3+–Ni^3+/4+ couple.     

Preparation and properties of LiCoyMnxNi1−x−yO2 as a cathode for lithium ion batteries

The preparation of LiCo_yMn_xNi_1−x−yO₂ from LiOH·H₂O, Ni(OH)₂ and γ-MnOOH in air was studied in detail. Single-phase LiCo_yMn_xNi_1−x−yO₂ (0y0.3 and x=0.2) is obtained by heating at 830–900°C. The optimum heating temperatures are 850°C for y=0–0.1 and 900°C for y=0.2–0.3. Excess lithium (1z1.11 for y=0.2) and the Co doping level (0.05y0.2) do not significantly affect the discharge capacity of Li_zCo_yMn_0.2Ni_0.8−yO₂. The doping of Co into LiMn_0.2Ni_0.8O₂ accelerates the oxidation of the transition metal ion, and suppresses partial cation mixing. Since the valence of the manganese ion in LiMn_0.2Ni_0.8O₂ is determined to be 4, the formation of a solid solution between LiCo_yNi_1−yO₂ and Li₂MnO₃ is confirmed.     

Synthesis of LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 cathode material through sintering in an air environment and electrochemical properties characterization

制备锂离子电池正极材料LiNi_0.8Co_0.2O₂通常需要在纯氧气气氛下进行烧结.本工作以硫酸镍,硫酸钴和氢氧化钠为原料,采用并流共沉淀法制备了高密度Ni_0.8Co_0.2(OH)₂前驱体,再采用高温固相反应法在空气中烧结制备了锂离子电池LiNi_0.8Co_0.2O₂正极材料.采用X射线衍射(XRD),扫描电镜(SEM),恒流充放电测试(ECT),循环伏安(CV)与比表面积(BET)测试等方法对目标样品进行了表征,详细考察了烧结条件对材料结构,微观形貌及电化学性能的影响.结果表明,锂/(钴+镍)摩尔比为1.13∶1时,在管式炉中和空气气氛下于第一段烧结温度700 ℃保温9 h,于第二段烧结温度750 ℃保温12 h,合成的材料比表面积适中(0.78 m²/g),具有规则的六边形α-NaFeO₂层状结构,晶粒分布均匀,电化学性能最优.在0.5 C充放电倍率下和2.7~4.3 V电压范围内,其首次放电比容量达到153.0 mA·h/g,循环20次后放电比容量仍为150.7 mA·h/g,容量保持率达到98.5%,显示了优异的循环稳定性能,可用做高能量密度动力电池正极材料.     

Selective removal of CO from hydrogen-rich stream over CuO/CexSn1−xO2–Al2O3 catalysts

The solid solutions of Ce_xSn_1−xO₂ incorporated with alumina to form Ce_xSn_1−xO₂–Al₂O₃ mixed oxides, by the suspension/co-precipitation method, were used to prepare CuO/Ce_xSn_1−xO₂–Al₂O₃ catalysts for the selective oxidation of CO in excess hydrogen. Incorporating Al₂O₃ increased the dispersion of Ce_xSn_1−xO₂, but did not change their main structures and did not weaken their redox properties. Doping Sn⁴⁺ into CeO₂ increased the mobility of lattice oxygen and enhanced the activity of the 7%CuO/Ce_xSn_1−xO₂–Al₂O₃ catalyst in the selective oxidation of CO. The selective oxidation of CO was weakened as the doped fraction of Sn⁴⁺ exceeded 0.5. Incorporating appropriate amounts of Sn⁴⁺ and Al₂O₃ could obtain good candidates 7%CuO/Ce_xSn_1−xO₂–Al₂O₃(20%), 1–x=0.1–0.5, for a preferential oxidation (PROX) unit in a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell system for removing CO. Its activity was comparable with, and its selectivity was much larger than, that of the noble catalyst 5%Pt/Al₂O₃.