Enhancing the rate capability of high capacity xLi2MnO3 • (1-x)LiMO2 (M = Mn, Ni, Co) electrodes by Li-Ni-PO4 treatment

The rate capability of high capacity xLi(2)MnO(3) center dot (1 - x)LiMO2 (M = Mn, Ni, Co) electrodes for lithium-ion batteries has been significantly enhanced by stabilizing the electrode surface by reaction with a Li-NiPO4 solution, followed by a heat-treatment step. Reversible capacities of 250 mAh/g at a C/11 rate, 225 mAh/g at C/2 and 200 mAh/g at C/1 have been obtained from 0.5Li(2)MnO(3) - 0.5LiNi(0.44)Co(0.25)Mn(0.31)O(2) electrodes between 4.6 and 2.0 V. The data bode well for their implementation in batteries that meet the 40-mile range requirement for plug-in hybrid vehicles. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.