Synthesis of electrochemically active LiCoO2 and LiNiO2 at 100 degrees C

Presently, fabrication of LiCoO2 requires calcination and annealing at temperatures ranging from 850 degrees C to 1000 degrees C from one to two days. Herein we show that LiCoO2 powders can be prepared at temperatures as low as 100 degrees C through the use of a two days ion exchange reaction between CoOOH and an excess of LiOH . H2O. The resultant LiCoO2 powders were studied through the use of X-ray diffraction, thermal gravimetry, and infrared analysis. Low-temperature fabricated LiCoO2 powders were well crystallized with lattice parameters agreeing with 850 degrees C prepared samples. The samples had an infrared spectrum similar to that of LiCoO2 with, however, weak extra lines indicating the presence of both carbonate and hydroxyl species. The presence of these species was found to severely affect both the capacity and reversibility of the electrochemical intercalation reactions. Heating these powders at moderate temperatures, around 250 degrees C, was effective in removing the species and drastically improving their electrochemical cycling properties. The same ion exchange reaction was successfully applied to the synthesis of LiNiO2.