An Effectively Activated Hierarchical Nano‐/Microspherical Li1.2Ni0.2Mn0.6O2 Cathode for Long‐Life and High‐Rate Lithium‐Ion Batteries. Issue 7 (4th March 2016) - Li, Yu
Abstract: Rechargeable lithium‐ion batteries with high energy and high power density are required in the application of electric vehicles and portable electronics. Herein, we introduce a type of spherical Li‐rich cathode material, Li1.2 Ni0.2 Mn0.6 O2, assembled from uniform nanocubes by a facile polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)‐assisted hydrothermal method. The material with a hierarchical nano‐/microstructure exhibits stable high‐rate performance. Furthermore, the precipitant (i.e., urea) and the structure‐directing agent (i.e., PVP) effectively activated the Li2 MnO3 components in the microscale material to achieve a high specific capacity of 298.5 mAh g −1 in the first cycle. This Li‐rich cathode material still delivered 243 mAh g −1 at 0.1 C after 200 cycles and the capacity retentions at 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 C were 94.4, 78.7, 76.3, and 67.8 % after 150 cycles, respectively. The results make this Li‐rich nano‐/microstructure a promising cathode material for long‐life and high‐performance lithium‐ion batteries. Abstract : Hip To Be Square : Spherical hierarchical nano/micro Li‐rich Li1.2 Ni0.2 Mn0.6 O2 cathode materials assembled from uniform nanocubes are prepared by a facile polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)‐assisted hydrothermal method. These smart designed materials with a high tap density and small surface area are promising for application in superior long‐term cycling and high‐rate lithium‐ion batteries. LNMO=Li1.2 Ni0.2 Mn0.6 O2, C‐P=co‐precipitation.