Transmission electron microscope studies of LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 before and after long-term aging at 70 degrees C

LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 is a potential cathode material for high-power applications in lithium-ion batteries. While cation ordering on a root 3 x root 3 R30 degrees in-plane superlattice was proposed for the layered structure, the experimental data do not fully support this model. Here, we present a systematic electron diffraction study of LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 in the pristine state and after aging. Our results show that a mixture of different phases in the starting material transforms to the O3-type phase and the cubic spinel phase after aging, accompanied by an increase in the percentage of polycrystals. (C) 2008 The Electrochemical Society.