Synthesis of cation-substituted LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 from laterite

Cation-substituted LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ sample is synthesized from purified laterite lixivium, without any extraction process. ICP analysis shows that partial Cr, Mg, and Al element incorporate in the compound. XRD and Rietveld refinement shows that proper Cr, Mg, and Al co-substitution could lead to a synergistic reaction to form a kind of highly ordered layered LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ with low Ni/Li mixing degree. From EDAX and XPS studies, it could be found that Cr and Al may prefer to enrich on the surface of cathode material, and the surface concentration of unstable Ni ions decrease. Electrochemical studies confirm that the cation-substituted LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ sample, synthesized from laterite, exhibits improved rate ability and cycling property compared with the pristine sample. This method is a simple and effective way to utilize laterite and synthesize cathode material.