Synthesis of layered cathode material 0.5Li₂MnO ₃·0.5LiMn_1/3Ni_1/3Co_1/3O ₂ by an improved co-precipitation method for lithium-ion battery

The layered 0.5Li₂MnO₃·0.5LiMn _1/3Ni_1/3Co_1/3O₂ lithium-rich manganese-based solid solution cathode material has been synthesized by two-step co-precipitation method. X-ray diffraction studies reveal that the as-prepared material has a typical layered structure with R-3m and C2/m space group. The surface morphology of the [Mn_4/6Ni_1/6Co _1/6]CO₃ precursor and cathode material 0.5Li ₂MnO₃·0.5LiMn_1/3Ni_1/3Co _1/3O₂ have been examined using scanning electron microscopy. Electrochemical performances, including discharge capacity, cycling performance and rate capability also have been investigated. The results show that the cathode material 0.5Li₂MnO₃·0.5LiMn _1/3Ni_1/3Co_1/3O₂ prepared by two-step co-precipitation method has a good electrochemical performance, which can deliver a high initial discharge capacity of 276.70 mAh g^-1 at the current density of 25 mA g^-1. When cycling at 125 mA g^-1, the material indicates an initial discharge capacity of 211.31 mAh g ^-1 and 196.64 mAh g^-1 after 50 cycles, capacity retention is 93.06% and its coulombic efficiencies is greater than 98% at each charge/discharge cycling. Furthermore, the as-prepared material 0.5Li ₂MnO₃·0.5LiMn_1/3Ni_1/3Co _1/3O₂ also shows an excellent rate capacity.