Scalable Advanced Li(Ni0.8Co0.1Mn0.1)O2Cathode Materials from a Slug Flow Continuous Process

Abstract

Li[Ni0.8Co0.1Mn0.1]O2(LNCMO811) is the most studied cathode material for next-generation lithium-ion batteries with high energy density. However, available synthesis methods are time-consuming and complex, restricting their mass production. A scalable manufacturing process for producing NCM811 hydroxide precursors is vital for commercialization of the material. In this work, a three-phase slug flow reactor, which has been demonstrated for its ease of scale-up, better synthetic control, and excellent uniform mixing, was developed to control the initial stage of the coprecipitation of NCM811 hydroxide. Furthermore, an equilibrium model was established to predict the yield and composition of the final product. The homogeneous slurry from the slug flow system was obtained and then transferred into a ripening vessel for the necessary ripening process. Finally, the lithium-nickel-cobalt-manganese oxide was obtained through the calcination of the slug flow-derived precursor with lithium hydroxide, having a tap density of 1.3 g cm-3with a well-layered structure. As-synthesized LNCMO811 shows a high specific capacity of 169.5 mAh g-1at a current rate of 0.1C and a long cycling stability of 1000 cycling with good capacity retention. This demonstration provides a pathway toward scaling up the cathode synthesis process for large-scale battery applications.