Nanocrystalline LiNi0.4Mn0.4Co0.2O2 cathode for lithium-ion batteries

Lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (LiNi0.4Mn0.4Co0.2O2) was synthesized without and with using chelating (oxalic acid and citric acid) agents and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, thermal gravimetry, magnetic measurements, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Structural results showed that particles crystallized in the R3−m structural symmetry similar to the α-NaFeO2 structure as a single phase except Li2MnO3 impurity. The compounds were investigated as positive electrode materials in secondary lithium ion batteries, discharge profiles are reported. Oxalic acid assisted LiNi0.4Mn0.4Co0.2O2 cathode has higher specific capacity than simple LiNi0.4Mn0.4Co0.2O2 and citric acid assisted LiNi0.4Mn0.4Co0.2O2.