Improvement of electrochemical performance of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathode material by graphene nanosheets modification

Layered LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2-graphene composite is synthesized by a facile chemical approach and used as the cathode material for lithium-ion batteries. The structural and morphological features of asprepared LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2-graphene composite are investigated with powder X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The characterization results indicate that the LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 particles maintain their structural integrity and crystal features after being enwrapped with graphene nanosheets. The graphene-modified LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 comoposite exhibits superior electrochemical performance compared to the pristine LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 powders. The LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2-graphene composite shows a large initial discharge capacity up to 212.9 mAh g(-1) as well as good cycling performance and good rate capability. The outstanding electrochemical performance of the graphene-modified LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 composite can be attributed to the improved electrical conductivity and structural stability due to the highly conductive graphene matrix. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.