Influence of Li source on tap density and high rate cycling performance of spherical Li[Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3]O2 for advanced lithium-ion batteries

Spherical Li[Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3]O-2 cathode materials with different microstructure have been prepared by a continuous carbonate co-precipitation method using LiOHa <...H2O, Li2CO3, CH(3)COOLia <...2H(2)O and LiNO3 as lithium source. The effects of Li source on the physical and electrochemical properties of Li[Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3]O-2 are investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electrochemical measurements. The results show that the morphology, tap density and high rate cycling performance of Li[Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3]O-2 spherical particles are strongly affected by Li source. Among the four Li sources used in this study, LiOHa <...H2O is beneficial to enhance the tap density of Li[Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3]O-2, and the tap density of as-prepared sample reaches 2.32 g cm(-3). Meanwhile, Li2CO3 is preferable when preparing the Li[Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3]O-2 with high rate cycling performance, upon extended cycling at 1 and 5C rates, 97.5% and 92% of the initial discharge capacity can be maintained after 100 cycles.