Formation of Li-doped NiO and LiNiO2 in molten carbonate

The formations of Li-doped NiO and LiNiO2 in molten carbonate have been studied in CO2-O-2 atmospheres from 761 to 1173 K by TGA, color change and XRD. After 24 h of immersion into a Li2CO3 or (Li0.62K0.38)(2)CO3 melt, the lithiation reaction of NiO was confirmed by both XRD and the color change of a specimen. The rate of the lithiation reaction was very slow, especially in a CO2-rich atmosphere. LiNiO2 was formed in an O-2 atmosphere at higher temperatures. The temperature of LiNiO2 formation in Li/K carbonate was higher than that in Li2CO3 Oxygen in the atmosphere would have an important role for the formation of LiNiO2 as well as the reaction temperature.