Characteristics of LiCoO2, LiMn2O4 and LiNi0.45Co0.1Mn0.45O2 as cathodes of lithium ion batteries

LiNi_0.45Co_0.10Mn_0.45O₂ was synthesized from Li₂CO₃ and a triple oxide of nickel, cobalt and manganese at 950 °C in air. The structures and characteristics of LiNi_0.45Co_0.10Mn_0.45O₂, LiCoO₂ and LiMn₂O₄ were investigated by XRD, SEM and electrochemical measurements. The results show that LiNi_0.45Co_0.10Mn_0.45O₂ has a layered structure with hexagonal lattice. The commercial LiCoO₂ has sphere-like appearance and smooth surfaces, while the LiMn₂O₄ and LiNi_0.45Co_0.10Mn_0.45O₂ consist of cornered and uneven particles. LiNi_0.45Co_0.10Mn_0.45O₂ has a large discharge capacity of 140.9 mA · h/g in practical lithium ion battery, which is 33.4% and 2.8% above that of LiMn₂O₄ and LiCoO₂, respectively. LiCoO₂ and LiMn₂O₄ have higher discharge voltage and better rate-capability than LiNi_0.45Co_0.10Mn_0.45O₂. All the three cathodes have excellent cycling performance with capacity retention of above 89.3% at the 250th cycle. Batteries with LiMn₂O₄ or LiNi_0.45Co_0.10Mn_0.45O₂ cathodes show better safety performance under abusive conditions than those with LiCoO₂ cathodes. Foundation item: Project(50302016) supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China; Project(2005037698) supported by the Postdoctoral Science Foundation of China