High-Performance Lithium-Rich Layered Oxide Material: Effects of Preparation Methods on Microstructure and Electrochemical Properties

Abstract

Lithium-rich layered oxide is one of the most promising candidates for the next-generation cathode materials of high-energy-density lithium ion batteries because of its high discharge capacity. However, it has the disadvantages of uneven composition, voltage decay, and poor rate capacity, which are closely related to the preparation method. Here, 0.5Li₂MnO₃·0.5LiMn_0.8Ni_0.1Co_0.1O₂ was successfully prepared by sol–gel and oxalate co-precipitation methods. A systematic analysis of the materials shows that the 0.5Li₂MnO₃·0.5LiMn_0.8Ni_0.1Co_0.1O₂ prepared by the oxalic acid co-precipitation method had the most stable layered structure and the best electrochemical performance. The initial discharge specific capacity was 261.6 mAh·g⁻¹ at 0.05 C, and the discharge specific capacity was 138 mAh·g⁻¹ at 5 C. The voltage decay was only 210 mV, and the capacity retention was 94.2% after 100 cycles at 1 C. The suppression of voltage decay can be attributed to the high nickel content and uniform element distribution. In addition, tightly packed porous spheres help to reduce lithium ion diffusion energy and improve the stability of the layered structure, thereby improving cycle stability and rate capacity. This conclusion provides a reference for designing high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries.