Synthesis and characterization of LiNi0.9Co0.1O2 for lithium batteries

LiNi0.9Co0.1O2 cathode material is prepared from LiOH H2O and Ni0.9Co0.1(OH)2 by co-precipitation and subsequent two-stage heat treatment in flowing oxygen based on the results of thermogravimetric. The structural and electrochemical properties of the samples are characterized by means of inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometer (ICP-AES), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), cyclic voltammogram (CV) and charge–discharge studies. All the samples sintered at different temperatures have a typical layered structure with space group R3-m and good electrochemical performances. The sintering temperature has a remarkable effect on the electrochemical performance of the samples. The sample sintered at 730 C shows the largest initial discharge capacity 191.1 mAh g–1 (50 mA g–1, 3.0–4.3 V) and the best cycling performance. The initial discharge capacity rises to above 200 mAh g–1 with the voltage range 3.0–4.5 V.