Hierarchically assembled LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 secondary particles with high exposure of {010} plane synthesized via co-precipitation method

Hierarchically assembled LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (HLNCM) composed of highly exposed {010} nanobricks is synthesized via a modified co-precipitation method through gradient increase of the ammonia concentration in the reactor. XRD analyses show that the relative intensity of the {101} crystal plane is much stronger than that of typical {001} plane. The porous structure of the HLNCM is also demonstrated by using focused ion beam (FIB) technique. The obtained HLNCM cathode shows superior electrochemical properties with a reversible capacity of 192.8 mAh g(-1) at 0.2C between 2.8 and 4.3 V (vs. Li/Li+) and the initial coulombic efficiency (CE) of 88.10%. At 20 C discharge rate, it is still able to deliver a capacity of 128.9 mAh g(-1). After 100 deep charge-discharge cycles, a capacity retention of 94.4% is obtained. The excessive content of Li salt and the calcination time, which greatly impact the electrochemical performances of the target product, are also systematically optimized. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.