Synthesis of LiNi0.9Co0.1O2 cathode material for lithium secondary battery by a novel route

The cathode material, LiNi_0.9Co_0.1O₂ was prepared using a rheological phase reaction method with LiOH·H₂O, home-made Ni(OH)₂, and Co₂O₃ as starting materials. At first, the mixture of reactants and a proper amount of water reacted to form a rheological precursor. Then the dried precursor was heated at 730 °C in one step to yield the product. The effects of calcination time (between 0.5 and 10 h) on the structural, morphological and electrochemical properties were investigated. All obtained powders show a single phase with α-NaFeO₂ structure (R-3m space group). The sample prepared in 2.5 h delivers the largest initial discharge capacity of 218 mA h g^− 1 (3.0-4.35 V, 25 mA g^− 1) and still remains 192 mA h g^− 1 after 15 cycles. The method is simple, economical and effective and is promising for practical application.