Synthesis Pathway of Layered-Oxide Cathode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries by Spray Pyrolysis
Manar Almazrouei, Sulki Park, Maurits Houck, Michaël De Volder, Simone Hochgreb, Adam Boies
Abstract
High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide We report the synthesis of LiCoO 2 (LCO) cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries via aerosol spray pyrolysis, focusing on the effect of synthesis temperatures from 600 to 1000 °C on the materials’ structural and morphological features. Utilizing both nitrate and acetate metal precursors, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of material properties through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Our findings reveal enhanced crystallinity and significant oxide decomposition within the examined temperature range. Morphologically, nitrate-derived particles exhibited hollow, spherical shapes, whereas acetate-derived particles were irregular. Guided by high-temperature X-ray diffraction (HT-XRD) data, the formation of a layered LCO oxide structure, with distinct spinel Li 2 Co 2 O 4 and layered oxide LCO phases was shown to emerge at different annealing temperatures. Optimally annealed particles showcased well-defined layered structures, translating to high electrochemical performance. Specifically, nitrate-based particles annealed at 775 °C for 1 h demonstrated initial discharge capacities close to 179 mAh/g, while acetate-based particles, annealed at 750 °C for 3 h, achieved 136 mAh/g at a 0.1 C discharge rate. This study elucidates the influence of synthesis conditions on LCO cathode material properties, offering insights that advance high throughput processes for lithium-ion battery materials synthesis.