Synthesis and surface treatment of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 cathode materials for Li-ion batteries

In order to shorten process time and possibly reduce synthesis cost of LiNi_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3O₂, the cathode material was prepared by solution combustion and microwave synthesis routes with reduced duration of calcination. The products were also surface-modified with Al₂O₃ by a mechano-thermal coating process to enhance cyclability. The structure and morphology of the bare and the surface-modified LiNi_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry techniques. At a 0.1-C rate and between 4.6 and 2.5 V, the products delivered a first-cycle discharge capacity of as much as 195 mA h/g. Surface modification of LiNi_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ with alumina resulted in improved cyclability.