Electrochemical Properties and Characterization of Li1.2Mn0.54Co0.13Ni0.13O2 Composite Cathode Powders Prepared by Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis

Lithium-rich layered oxide Li_1.2Mn_0.54Co_0.13Ni_0.13O₂ (LMO) composite cathode powders are prepared by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis. The crystal structure and morphology of the prepared samples are characterized with X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. The spherical shape and porous nanostructure of the as prepared powders are maintained after post-treatment at temperatures between 600 and 800°C. Grain growth in the powders increases with increasing post-treatment temperatures. The BET surface area of the composite cathode powders post-treated at 800°C is 12 m² g⁻¹. Discharge capacity of the cathode powders post-treated at 800°C decreases from 278 mAh g⁻¹ to 208 mAh g⁻¹ by the 50th cycle, the capacity retention being 75%. The post-treatment temperature strongly affected the electrochemical properties of the composite cathode powders. Composite cathode powders post-treated at high temperatures with high amounts of the Li₂MnO₃ phase had good cycle properties as well as large initial charge/discharge capacities.