Preparation of nano-sized LiCoO2 powder by the combination of sonication and modified Pechini process

A sonication (ultrasonic processing) and modified Pechini process were combined to fabricate nano-sized LiCoO₂ powder. A composition of precursor solution for fabricating LiCoO₂ was modulated by controlling the molar ratios of lithium acetate to cobalt acetate and ethylene glycol to citric acid, respectively. The sonication was applied on the precursor solution to get highly dispersed transition-metal oxide powder. The sonicated precursor gels pre-dried were calcined in the range of 400 to 800 °C for 10 h. Effect of sonication on the particle size and the morphology of LiCoO₂ prepared by the modified Pechini process was elucidated. After calcination, the unsonicated LiCoO₂ powder had an aggregated-like morphology, as combined loosely and/or firmly, while the sonicated LiCoO₂ was more ultra-finely particulated and presented more mono-dispersed morphology without severe aggregation. The nano-sized LiCoO₂ with high crystallinity and homogeneity could be prepared by the combination of sonication and modified Pechini process.