Behavior of lithiated cobalt and nickel oxides in lithium rechargeable cells

The electrochemical properties of LiCoO₂ and LiNiO₂ materials in lithium rechargeable cells are presented and discussed. Cell data indicate that 165-Wh/kg D cells operating over 80 cycles can be constructed with both materials. These cells have a useful operating window extending to -20°C. Self-discharge studies of fully charged cells at 45°C indicate that LiNiO₂ cells lose 1-3% capacity per month while LiCoO₂ cells lose 10-12% capacity per month. There is no electrochemical performance advantage of one chemistry over the other. However, considering the important characteristic of self-discharge, Li/LiNiO₂ cells have significantly reduced self-discharge