Synthesis of optimized LiNiO2 for lithium ion batteries

The synthesis of LiNiO2, an attractive 4 V lithium ion battery cathode material, was investigated in view of identifying optimum preparation conditions by adopting various methods and comparing the structural, physical and electrochemical properties of the products. The conventional high temperature method (solid state annealing at 800 degreesC) and a novel low temperature method (self propagating high temperature method at 300 degreesC) allowed to synthesise crystalline LiNiO2 with a composition close to the ideal stoichiometry. Optimisation of the preparation conditions which are responsible for forming high performance LiNiO3 favoured LiNO3 and Ni(NO3)(2), as starting material along with an internal fuel (glycine) and a temperature of 300 degreesC for about three hours as most suitable heat treating condition. The electrochemical performance of LiNiO2 synthesized via the various methods is reported.