Solid-state synthesis and characterization of LiCoO2 and LiNiyCo1-yO2 solid solutions

Solid solutions of compositions LiNiyCo1-yO2 (y = 0.0, 0.1 and 0.2) were prepared by solid-state fusion synthesis from carbonate precursors, Material characterization was carried out using XRD. Formation mechanisms of the products are discussed in the light of TG/DTA results, Nickel-containing compositions gave higher discharge capacities and smaller hystereses in their charge-discharge profiles which make them more attractive than pristine LiCoO2 as cathode materials in high-energy lithium cells. The lower loss in capacity per cycle for-cells with unsubstituted LiCoO2, as determined from cycling studies up to 25 cycles, makes it more suitable than the substituted ones for long cycle-life cells with low capacity fade.