Influence of Microwave Irradiation and Combustion Fuels on the Rate Capability and Cycle Performance of Li_1.2Mn_0.52Ni_0.13Co_0.13Al_0.02O₂ Layered Material

Abstract

Commercialization of lithium-manganese rich oxides (LMR-NMC) cathodes for lithium-ion batteries is hindered by shortcomings such as severe capacity fade and poor rate capability. This work reveals the synergetic effect of the structure and morphology in reducing capacity fade and improving rate capability in Li 1.2 Mn 0.52 Ni 0.13 Co 0.13 Al 0.02 O 2 (LMNCA) cathode. The results show that the hybrid microwave irradiation-combustion synthesis results in smaller particles, increased lattice parameters, reduced transition metal oxidation states, and high Li-ion diffusion coefficients. These resulted in powders with reduced capacity fade and enhanced rate performance. LMNCA urea-mic exhibited the best electrochemical performance with a discharge capacity of 360 mAh/g and capacity retention of 88 % after 50 cycles at 0.1 C.