Preparation of spherical and dense LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 lithium-ion battery particles by spray pyrolysis.

With citric acid as a polymeric agent layered LiNi_0.8Co_0.2O₂ materials were synthesized by a spray pyrolysis method. The LiNi_0.8Co_0.2O₂ particles were characterized by means of XRD, SEM and TEM. The electrochemical performances of LiNi_0.8Co_0.2O₂ particles were studied in a voltage window of 3.00–4.35 V and at a current density of 30 mA/g. The results show that in the pilot-scale spray pyrolysis process, the morphology of particles is dependent upon the precursor concentration and flux of carrier gas. The initial discharge capacity of the LiNi_0.8Co_0.2O₂ particles at 720 °C for 12 h °C is 187.3 mA·h/g, and the capacity remains 96.8 % with excellent cycleability after 30 cycles. The LiNi_0.8Co_0.2O₂ samples synthesized under the optimized conditions by the spray pyrolysis method shows a good electrochemical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]