Mn-Rich NMC Cathode for Lithium-Ion Batteries at High-Voltage Operation

Abstract

Development in high-rate electrode materials capable of storing vast amounts of charge in a short duration to decrease charging time and increase power in lithium-ion batteries is an important challenge to address. Here, we introduce a synthesis strategy with a series of composition-controlled NMC cathodes, including LiNi0.2Mn0.6Co0.2O2(NMC262), LiNi0.3Mn0.5Co0.2O2(NMC352), and LiNi0.4Mn0.4Co0.2O2(NMC442). A very high-rate performance was achieved for Mn-rich LiNi0.2Mn0.6Co0.2O2 (NMC262). It has a very high initial discharge capacity of 285 mAh g−1 when charged to 4.7 V at a current of 20 mA g−1 and retains the capacity of 201 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles. It also exhibits an excellent rate capability of 138, and 114 mAh g−1 even at rates of 10 and 15 C (1 C = 240 mA g−1). The high discharge capacities and excellent rate capabilities of Mn-rich LiNi0.2Mn0.6Co0.2O2 cathodes could be ascribed to their structural stability, controlled particle size, high surface area, and suppressed phase transformation from layered to spinel phases, due to low cation mixing and the higher oxidation state of manganese. The cathodic and anodic diffusion coefficient of the NMC262 electrode was determined to be around 4.76 × 10−10 cm2 s−1 and 2.1 × 10−10 cm2 s−1, respectively.