A novel method to preparing LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 cathode materials using nano-sized Al(OH)3

The Ni-rich layered oxide LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 (NCA) is primarily synthesized by mixing Ni-Co precursor with an Al source and LiOH followed by sintering the mixture at high temperatures. However, the particle size of the raw materials affects the electrochemical performance of the cathode material. This study used a homogeneous precipitation method to prepare nano-sized Al(OH)3. The Ni-Co precursor and Al(OH)3 were sonicated before calcination with LiOH at 800 °C for 20 h to obtain NCA. The first discharge of NCA had a specific capacity of 166.53 mAh/g at a current density of 0.2C. The capacity retention was 85.18 % after 120 cycles.