Local structure and electrochemistry of LiNiyMnyCo1-2yO2 electrode materials for Li-ion batteries

A series of LiNixMnyC O-z(2) (x=y, z=1-2y) oxides have been synthesized by "chimie douce" and investigated as positive electrodes in rechargeable lithium batteries. Layered LiNiyMnyCo1-2yO2 materials with high homogeneity and crystallinity were synthesized using the wet-chemical method assisted by carboxylic acid as the polymeric agent. The long range and local structural properties are investigated with experiments including X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The evolution of the structure is discussed as a function of the cobalt content that confers layer-like behavior on the framework. Electrochemical performance of LiNiyMnyCo1-2y O-2 oxides is tested in cells using nonaqueous 1 M LiPF6 dissolved in ethylene carbonate-diethyl carbonate. Charge-discharge profiles are investigated as a function of the rate capability and the voltage window. A relation is found between the gravimetric capacity and the cation disorder of the positive electrode as indicated by structural analysis. Fast lithium extraction attributed to the larger interslab space has been observed in the cobalt-rich oxides.