A simple, rapid and efficient flame synthesis of ultrafine LiNi0.95−xCoxTi0.05O2 (x = 0.25 and 0.30): a versatile route to synthesize Ni-rich cathode materials for Li-ion batteries

Abstract

A simple, rapid, and efficient flame synthesis method was developed to fabricate LiNi_0.95−xCo_xTi_0.05O₂ (x = 0.25 and 0.30) cathode materials for Li-ion batteries. The ignition of metal nitrate precursors with a reddish flame was completed within 15–20 s. The complete procedure to obtain the LiNi_0.95−xCo_xTi_0.05O₂ precursor powder took 30–55 min, which is the simplest as well as the most rapid and efficient method among the synthesis methods reported thus far to obtain an analogous Ni-rich, LiNi_0.70Co_0.30O₂ cathode material. X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of a single phase of LiNi_0.95−xCo_xTi_0.05O₂ (x = 0.25 and 0.30) calcined at 800 °C for 12 h. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy revealed the ultrafine nature of the particles. SEM showed grains with smooth surfaces and size in the range of 200 nm–0.4 μm, and TEM displayed the particles with a size range of 90 nm–0.2 μm. The fabricated materials showed discharge specific capacities of 159 mA h g⁻¹ and 137 mA h g⁻¹ at a 0.1C rate for the initial cycle at room temperature for LiNi_0.95−xCo_xTi_0.05O₂ with x = 0.25 and 0.30, respectively. These results suggest that LiNi_0.95−xCo_xTi_0.05O₂ synthesized via this facile route shows promising electrochemical activity. Consequently, the flame synthesis technique can be very attractive for the facile fabrication of structurally similar lithiated nickel–cobalt oxides for use as a cathode material for Li-ion batteries that are suitable for mass production.