Synthesis of Monoclinic Li[Li0.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13]O2 Nanoparticles by a Layered-Template Route for High-Performance Li-Ion Batteries

Nanocrystalline Li[Li0.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13]O2 was prepared by a layered-template method and was tested as a high-capacity and high-power cathode for Li-ion batteries. Structural characterization demonstrates that the Li[Li0.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13]O2 nanoparticles have a high crystallinity with a monoclinic (C/2m) structure. This material exhibits an initial discharge capacity of 277.4 mAh g–1 and a high coulombic efficiency of 87.3 %, with a very small capacity fade of 0.046 % per cycle over 100 cycles. Such excellent electrochemical performance is likely to result from its monoclinic structure that enables a stable solid solution structure and reversible structural changes during cycling. Therefore, monoclinic Li[Li0.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13]O2 may meet the high-capacity and high-rate requirements for an alternative cathode for a new generation of Li-ion batteries.