Effect of ultrasonic irradiation on the structure and electrochemical properties of cathode material LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2 for lithium batteries

Substituting mechanical stirring by ultrasonic irradiation in co-precipitation method, cathode material LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2 for lithium batteries with better layered structure and crystallinity has been successfully synthesized. The physicochemical and electrochemical properties of ultrasonic co-precipitation (UCP) prepared material were compared with those of the mechanical stirring co-precipitation (MSCP) prepared material by thermogravimetery analysis (TGA), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and galvanostatic charge–discharge testing in detail. UCP prepared LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2 presents better rate discharge capability, cyclic stability and reversibility, resulting from smaller electrochemical polarization during electrode reaction and easier lithium ion insertion/desertion. Application of ultrasonic irradiation during the co-precipitation preparation process is beneficial to produce samples with better physicochemical and electrochemical properties.