Controlled synthesis of nickel-rich layered oxide cathodes with preferentially exposed {010} active facets for high rate and long cycling stable lithium-ion batteries

Controlling hierarchical structure assembled by nanoplates with exposed {010} active planes is essential to optimize the electrochemical performance of nickel-rich layered oxide cathode materials. In this work, nickel-rich layered oxide cathodes with various degrees of packing and surface area of exposed {010} facets were synthesized via a simple continuous co-precipitation method and a stepwise calcination process. The effects of structure and morphology on the Li+ transport kinetics of LiNi0.58Co0.25Mn0.17O2 were systematically evaluated by physical and electrochemical characterizations. The results show that the enhanced growth of {010} active facets, namely, the lateral plane of the primary nanoplates can facilitate the Li+ intercalation/deintercalation and thus improve the rate capability. Meanwhile, the compact micro-sized secondary particle guarantees the structural stability of the Ni-rich cathodes. The LiNi0.58Co0.25Mn0.17O2 material with optimized structure manifests high discharge capacities (185 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C), outstanding high-rate capability (106 mAh g−1 at 50 C) and excellent long cycle life (capacity retention of 78% after 500 cycles at 5 C).