Electrochemically Modulated LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 Cathodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Layered lithium transition-metal oxides are considered as promising cathodes for new-generation lithium-ion batteries due to their high capacity and excellent rate capability. Nevertheless, the approach of preparing precursors is generally restricted to the utilization of wet-chemical methods. Herein, for the first time, an electrochemical strategy is introduced to prepare Ni1/3Mn1/3Co1/3(OH)(2) precursor with the mixing at the atomic level by electrochemically anodized Ni-Mn-Co alloy anode, demonstrating the superiorities of high yield without the process of the extreme alkaline environment and complicated process. Furthermore, the layered LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 cathode is obtained through calcining the mixture of precursors and Li sources under a certain calcined temperature. As anticipated, the initial discharge specific capacities of 183.9 mAh g(-1) at 0.1 C with a capacity retention of 79.66% after 120 loops are delivered for LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 cathode with calcining at 930 degrees C, and it also exhibits superior rate capability with specific capacities of 151.1 and 116.5 mAh g(-1) at 1 and 10 C, respectively. Therefore, this innovative approach can be readily extended to prepare other types of lithiated transition metal oxide precursors.