Preparation of LiNi_(0.8)Co_(0.2)O_2 Cathode Material for Lithium Secondary Batteries from Spherical α-Ni_(0.8)Co_(0.2)(OH)_2

LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 cathode material is a very promising candidate to replace LiCoO2 for lithium secondary batteries. Spherical α-Ni0.8Co0.2(OH)2 powders were prepared via a con- trolled crystallization method. The LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 powders were synthesized by sintering the α-Ni0.8Co0.2(OH)2 precursor and LiOH·H2O in oxygen at 700℃ for 4h. XRD results show the powders are highly crystallized LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 with order α－NaFeO2 layer structure. SEM photographs show the powders are spherical dispersed particulate with the particle size of approximately 8μm. The powders have good fluidity and high tap-density Electrochemical test proves the LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 cathode material has excellent electrochemical performance. The material shows a high initial charge capacity of 197mAh·g-1 and discharge capacity of 174mAh·g-1, and retention of more than 96.6% after 10 cycles.