Synthesis of Spherical Core-Shell Ni(OH)2-Ni½Mn½(OH)2Particles via a Continuously Stirred Tank Reactor

Core-shell particles of Ni(OH)2 (core, 80 mol%) and Ni½Mn½(OH)2 (shell, 20 mol%) were synthesized using a continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR). This hydroxide core-shell material can be used as a precursor to LiNiO2-LiNi½Mn½O2 core-shell materials, a possible positive electrode material for lithium ion batteries. The reaction was completed with different synthesis conditions to improve the in-situ coating of Ni(OH)2 particles with a shell of Ni½Mn½(OH)2. Spherical and dense particles of Ni(OH)2 with a closed coating of Ni½Mn½(OH)2 were synthesized. It was determined that the pH and stirring rate of the reaction must be altered when switching from the core to the shell to produce an optimum shell coating. Without changing reaction conditions some of the shell materials form new particles instead of coating existing particles. The shell and core compositions were verified with powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and ICP-OES elemental analysis.