Effect of the Synthesis Method on the Morphology and Functional Properties of Lithium-Rich Layered Oxides

Lithium-rich layered oxides Li_1.2Ni_0.133Mn_0.534Co_0.133O₂ were obtained by the solid-phase reaction of precursors with a lithium source and subsequent high-temperature annealing. The effect of the precursor synthesis method on the functional properties of the resulting cathode material was studied. The precursors were synthesized by the coprecipitation method (hydroxide and carbonate precursors) and the solvothermal method (oxalate and hydroxide precursors). In the coprecipitation method, the precipitant and the pH of precipitation was varied; and in the solvothermal method, the reaction medium–precipitant combination was. The sample produced by the solvothermal method has a high discharge capacity of 233.2 mA h/g (0.1C) and 175.3 mA h/g (0.4C) with a residual discharge capacity of 94% (50th cycle) and 80.5% (65th cycle), respectively. Samples with comparable electrochemical parameters are similar in morphology. These materials are agglomerated and have a bimodal distribution with maxima in the regions of 14–19 and 55–60 μm. An approach that takes into account the relationship between morphology and electrochemical properties will make it possible to obtain electrode materials for a lithium-ion battery with better electrochemical characteristics.