Abstract
As precursors of cathode materials for lithium ion batteries, $Ni_{1/3}Co_{1/3}Mn_{1/3}(OH)_2$ powders are prepared in a continuously stirred tank reactor via a co-precipitation reaction between aqueous metal sulfates and NaOH in the presence of $NH_4OH$ in air or nitrogen ambient. Calcination of the precursors with $Li_2CO_3$ for 8 h at $1,000^{\circ}C$ in air produces dense spherical cathode materials. The precursors and final powders are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, particle size analysis, tap density measurement, and thermal gravimetric analysis. The precursor powders obtained in air or nitrogen ambient show XRD patterns identified as $Ni_{1/3}Co_{1/3}Mn_{1/3}(OH)_2$. Regardless of the atmosphere, the final powders exhibit the XRD patterns of $LiNi_{1/3}Co_{1/3}Mn_{1/3}O_2$ (NCM). The precursor powders obtained in air have larger particle size and lower tap density than those obtained in nitrogen ambient. NCM powders show similar tendencies in terms of particle size and tap density. Electrochemical characterization is performed after fabricating a coin cell using NCM as the cathode and Li metal as the anode. The NCM powders from the precursors obtained in air and those from the precursors obtained in nitrogen have similar initial charge/discharge capacities and cycle life. In conclusion, the powders co-precipitated in air can be utilized as precursor materials, replacing those synthesized in the presence of nitrogen injection, which is the usual industrial practice.
