Synthesis and Characterization of Precursors Ni0.5Mn0.4Co0.1(OH)2 by Coprecipitation Method

Battery usage is increasing. Much research has been done to improve the energy density and power capacity of lithium-ion batteries. Cathode material greatly affects battery performance. The cathode material LiNi_0.5Mn_0.4Co_0.1O₂ (NMC 541) has the advantages of high energy density and battery capacity as well as great thermal stability. To produce these materials, precursors are needed. Tests are carried out by forming precursor materials Ni_0.5Mn_0.4Co_0.1(OH)₂ in this case written as NMC541OH with the coprecipitation method. The variables of the study were pH. The resulting materials are tested using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and impedance, capacitance, and resistance (LCR) meter. The precursor Ni_0.5Mn_0.4Co_0.1(OH)₂ can be synthesized from the acetic salts of nickel, manganese, and cobalt. The optimum conditions for the NMC541OH precursor synthesis process are pH 11.0, resulting in a crystal size of 41.3 nm, crystallinity of 36.7%, a conductivity value of 5.20 S·cm⁻¹. The mole ratio value is 0.51:0.39:0.09, and the average grain diameter size is 63.9 nm.