Synthesis and electrochemical properties of HT-LiCo0.8Ni0.2O2 prepared by molten salt synthesis method using 0.59LiNO3-0.41LiOH system

LiCo_0.8Ni_0.2O₂ powders were prepared by molten salt synthesis method using a 0.59LiNO₃-0.41LiOH melt. The physico-chemical properties of the HT-LiCo_0.8Ni_0.2O₂ powders were investigated by powder X-ray diffraction method, field emission scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and charge-discharge cycling. Uniform size nanocrystalline powder (~40 nm) could be obtained at temperature ranges of 280-480 °C. These nanocrystalline powders showed poor electrochemical properties because of presence of the low temperature phase. Pure single-phase HT-LiCo_0.8Ni_0.2O₂ powder could be obtained at 580 °C. Charge-discharge measurements indicated that this exhibited a good capacity and cyclability without further heat treatment at higher temperatures. Presented at the Int’l Symp. on Chem. Eng. (Cheju, Feb. 8-10, 2001), dedicated to Prof. H. S. Chun on the occasion of his retirement from Korea University.