Effect Of Co3(PO4)2 coating on Li[Co0.1Ni0.15Li0.2Mn0.55]O2 cathode material for lithium rechargeable batteries

To prepare a high-capacity cathode material with improved electrochemical performance for lithium rechargeable batteries, Co-3(PO4)(2) nanoparticles are coated on the surface of powdered Li[Co0.1Ni0.15Li0.2Mn0.55]O-2, which is synthesized by a simple combustion method. The coated powder prepared under Proper conditions for Co-3(PO4)(2) content and annealing temperature shows an optimum coating layer that consists of a LixCoPO4 phase formed by reaction with lithium impurities during heat treatment. A sample coated with 3 wt.% Co-3(PO4)(2) and annealed at 800 degrees C proves to be the best in terms of specific capacity, cycle performance and rate capability. Thermal stability is also enhanced by the coating, as demonstrated a decrease in the onset temperature and/or the heat generated during thermal runaway. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.