Spray pyrolysis synthesis of nickel-rich layered cathodes LiNi 1−2 x Co x Mn x O 2 ( x = 0.075, 0.05, 0.025) for lithium-ion batteries

In this study we report a series of nickel-rich layered cathodes LiNi1−2xCoxMnxO2 (x = 0.075, 0.05, 0.025) prepared from chlorides solution via ultrasonic spray pyrolysis. SEM images illustrate that the samples are submicron-sized particles and the particle sizes increase with the increase of Ni content. LiNi0.85Co0.075Mn0.075O2 delivers a discharge capacity of 174.9 mAh g−1 with holding 93% reversible capacity at 1 C after 80 cycles, and can maintain a discharge capacity of 175.3 mAh g−1 at 5 C rate. With increasing Ni content, the initial specific capacity increases while the cycling and rate performance degrades in some extent. These satisfying results demonstrate that spray pyrolysis is a powerful and efficient synthesis technology for producing Ni-rich layered cathode (Ni content > 80%).