Li[Ni<sub>0.6</sub>Mn<sub>0.2</sub>Co<sub>0.2</sub>]O<sub>2</sub> Made From Crystalline Rock Salt Oxide Precursors
Mohammad H. Tahmasebi, Lituo Zheng, T. D. Hatchard, M. N. Obrovac
Abstract
Layered lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide or NMC type cathode materials dominate the lithium-ion battery market. However, the production of their precursor involves the use of large amounts of water and can create waste. All-dry synthesis methods are attractive as they are potentially cheaper and greener. However, it remains a challenge to achieve atomic scale mixing of the precursor elements by dry methods. Here, we report an alternative route to achieve atomic scale mixing by employing thermal interdiffusion to produce a phase pure rock salt structure precursor for NMC cathode materials, which can significantly shorten the preparation time and may further reduce cost. The complications and applicability of using a thermally synthesized precursor to make layered cathode material are presented in detail.