Synthesis and characterization of integrated layered nanocomposites for lithium ion batteries

The series of LiNi _x M _x Li_1/3-x Mn_2/3-x ]O₂ cathodes, where M is cobalt or chromium with a wide compositional range x from 0 to 0.33, were prepared by hydroxide coprecipitation method with subsequent quenching. The sample structures were investigated using X-ray diffraction results which were indexed completely on the basis of a trigonal structure of space group with monoclinic C2/m phase as expected. The morphologies and electrochemical properties of the samples obtained were compared as the value of x and substituted transition metal. The particle sizes of cobalt-substituted LiNi _x Co _x Li_1/3-x Mn_2/3-x ]O₂ samples are much smaller than those of the LiNi _x Cr _x Li_1/3-x Mn_2/3-x ]O₂ system. The electrode containing LiNi _x Co _x Li_1/3-x Mn_2/3-x ]O₂ with x = 0.10 delivered a discharge capacity of above 200 mAh/g after 10 cycles due to the activation of Li₂MnO₃.