Key Parameter Optimization for the Continuous Synthesis of Ni-Rich Ni–Co–Al Cathode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract

Ni-rich lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA) cathodes, as one of the most promising candidates for the extended electric vehicle applications, have been widely recognized and attracted global interest. However, issues, such as the difficult synthesis of well-regulated morphology particles, poor cognition for electrochemical behavior, and modest electrochemical performance, have put forward a huge challenge for their industrial application. Herein, a hydroxide coprecipitation−calcination two-step continuous synthesis method was employed to prepare NCA cathodes. The key synthesis parameters, including the pH value and ammonia concentration, calcination temperature, and Li/TM ratio were systematically investigated. At the optimal synthesis condition, the obtained precursors displayed good sphericity, narrow size distribution, and desired element composition. After lithiation, the optimized cathode showed a typical layered structure without significant Li/Ni cation mixing. Moreover, the kinetic property and electrochemical behavior of the NCA electrode were analyzed in detail.

Single step synthesis of W-modified LiNiO2 using an ammonium tungstate flux

“…24,25 The morphology of Ni-rich layered materials is largely inherited from hydroxide precursor materials. 26,27 Thus, commercially produced Ni-rich cathode materials typically adopt a morphology consisting of spherical secondary particles, which are themselves composed of smaller primary particles with typical average diameters of 10 mm and 100 nm, respectively. This morphology presents a high surface area-to-volume ratio, benecial for electrochemical (de-)intercalation, but which can promote side reactions with carbonatebased electrolytes.…”

Roadmap on Li-ion battery manufacturing research

“…Continuous stirred tank reactors, of the type illustrated in figure 3, provide a means for synthesising these NMC hydroxide precursors, but care must be taken in controlling reaction parameters and conditions to minimise any resulting variations in secondary particle sizes and distributions, tap density and eventual electrochemical performance as well as maintain an appropriate atmosphere for the desired transition metal oxidation state. Recently work from Guo et al details the application of a continuous stirred tank reactor for the continuous hydroxide precipitation of a Ni-rich NCA-type cathode precursor [28]. Here, the synthesis parameters were systematically optimised and experiments reveal an optimum pH level and ammonia to transition metal ratio of 11.0 and 1.0 respectively.…”

Recent developments of layered transition metal oxide cathodes for sodium‐ion batteries toward desired high performance

“…To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutions, developing renewable green energy resources to replace fossil fuels is urgent in recent years 1,2 . Correspondingly, advanced electrochemical energy storage technologies are highly required to meet the demands of their high‐energy characteristics 3–6 . Among many electrochemical energy storage systems, due to the high‐energy density of LIBs, they have triggered a new revolution in the field of energy storage 7 .…”

“…1,2 Correspondingly, advanced electrochemical energy storage technologies are highly required to meet the demands of their highenergy characteristics. [3][4][5][6] Among many electrochemical energy storage systems, due to the high-energy density of LIBs, they have triggered a new revolution in the field of energy storage. 7 However, with more and more demand of lithium resource, the economic problems of LIBs are becoming increasingly prominent.…”