Spray drying synthesis of perspective materials for cathodes of Li-ion batteries

Our contribution discusses the possibility of using spray drying synthesis for the preparation of active cathode material for Li-ion batteries. The particles were synthesized using a two-stage spray drying synthesis of NMC material (Li_1.2Ni_0.13Mn_0.54Co_0.13O₂), when we separated the processes of synthesizing the nanoparticles (step 1) themselves and the subsequent calcination were separated from each other. Synthesis was based on spraying of precursor solution via ultrasonic atomizer and dried particles were captured using an electrostatic separator. During the following calcination step, the effect of temperature on the crystallization of the sample was investigated in the temperature range of 400–900 ℃. The temperature of 750 ℃ proved to be ideal for sufficient formation of a crystalline structure while maintaining a sufficiently fine-grained structure. At this temperature, the influence of the length of calcination was also investigated for the following times: 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 h. The structural and morphologic characterization of synthesized material was examined with X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy.