Synthesis by an EDTA-based Complexation Process and Characterization of LiNi_0.9Co-0.1O_2 Cathode Materials

The layered LiNixCo1-xO2 compound was prepared by calcining a complex precursor at different temperatures. The physical properties of the synthesized cathode materials were discussed on the basis of structural analysis. The charge and discharge cycling of the cells containing the synthesized oxide as the positive electrode in conjunction with lithium metal and employing a non-aqueous electrolyte shows that LiNi0.9Co0.1O2 treated at 900℃ exhibits the best electrochemical performance. The first discharge capacity of LiNi0.9Co0.1O2 is 120.5 mAh/g with 30 cycle capacity loss of only 1.4%. The mechanisms of capacity degradation were investigated based on phase and microstructure analyses.