Synergistic Effect between LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 and LiFe0.15Mn0.85PO4/C on Rate and Thermal Performance for Lithium Ion Batteries

A blend cathode has been prepared by mixing both LiNi_0.5Co_0.2Mn_0.3O₂ (NCM523) of high energy density and high specific capacity and LiFe_0.15Mn_0.85PO₄/C (LFMP/C) of excellent thermal stability via a low-speed ball-milling method. The lithium ion batteries using the blend cathode with LFMP/C of optimum percent exhibit better capacity retention after 100 cycles than those using only single NCM523 or LFMP/C. Both theoretical simulation and experimental rate performances demonstrate that the electrochemical property of blend cathode materials is predictable and economical. In addition, the thermal behaviors of blend cathodes are studied by using differential scanning calorimetry analysis. The thermal stability of blend cathode materials behaves better than that of the bare NCM523 accompanied with an electrolyte. It is found that the outstanding rate and thermal performance of the blend cathode is due to the prominent synergistic effect between NCM523 and LFMP/C, and 10% LFMP/C in the blend cathode materials is the most adaptable as considering both electrochemical and thermal properties simultaneously.