Long-life (Co, Al, Mg)-doped LiMn_1.5Ni_0.5O₄ cathodes prepared by co-precipitation method

The spinel cathode LiMn_1.5Ni_0.5O₄ (LMN) is garnering significant interest in the realm of lithium-ion batteries owing to its economical nature, elevated operating voltage, high theoretical energy density, and commendable thermal stability at a charged state. Various doping elements have been suggested to enhance the discharge capacity and prolong the lifetime of the LMN cathode. In this study, three doping elements (cobalt, aluminum, and magnesium) are investigated and compared using different characterization techniques. All three elements proved to be effective in extending the cycle life. Among all three elements, cobalt exhibits the highest threshold for dopant concentration beyond which performance degradation initiates. The cathode material with the highest performance, LiMn_1.5Ni_0.4Co_0.1O₄, is projected to have a cycle life of 900 cycles, contrasting with the 500 cycles of the undoped sample.