Recent advances in the study of layered lithium transition metal oxides and their application as intercalation electrodes

A review is presented on the extensive work carried out during the last 30 years on layered oxides structurally related to LiCoO2 and LiNiO2. The studies considered here range from the structural and chemical characterization of the layered solids to the detailed evaluation of their aptitude towards lithium deintercalation-intercalation reactions, which form the basis of their successful application in rechargeable battery technology. The different challenges remaining in this area, such as the development of advanced preparation procedures and the optimization of the electrochemical performance by controlled changes in composition, structure, and particle morphology, are discussed.