LiCoO2 sub-microns particles obtained from micro-precipitation in molten stearic acid

The present work reports a novel emulsion method for preparation of lithium cobalt oxide based on the micro-precipitation of lithium and cobalt salts in molten stearic acid. The precursors consist of micro-aggregated powders of CoOOH and CH3(CH2)16COOLi whose formation depends on the concentration of stearic acid used in the synthesis. The micro-aggregated of CoOOH and CH3(CH2)16COOLi when calcined at 800 °C yielded well-crystalline sub-microns particles of LiCoO2 (R-3m) with a very uniform shape (quasi-hexagonal pellets), a very narrow grain size distribution (d10=0.31, d50=3.14, d90=6.30 μm) and high specific surface area (7.4 m2 g−1). The long life reversible specific capacity of the mp-LiCoO2 composite electrode subsequently made was 110 mAh g−1 for initial deinsertion 165 mAh g−1.