Facile triethanolamine-assisted combustion synthesized layered LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 cathode materials with enhanced electrochemical performance for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract The present study introduces a facile triethanolamine-assisted combustion method, wherein stoichiometric hydrate transition metal acetate with and without the addition of triethanolamine (TEA) were dissolved and mixed uniformly in deionized water and heated to burn. The ashes were then grinded and calcinated to synthesize layered LiNi 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 cathode materials. The structure, morphology, and electrochemical performance of two kinds of LiNi 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 materials were investigated and compared systematically. The results indicate that the sample with TEA possesses smaller particles and exhibits less aggregation and a better hexagonal layered structure. On the contrary, the sample with TEA exhibits lower polarization, a better cycling ability, a significantly improved rate performance, and better electronic conductivity. The enhanced electronic conductivity and electrochemical performance may be ascribed to a higher combustion enthalpy and better dispersion in the solvent following the introduction of TEA. This simple synthetic strategy presents a promising synthetic model for the enhancement of electrochemical performance cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries.