Hierarchically assembled LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 secondary particles with high exposure of {010} plane synthesized via co-precipitation method

Hierarchically assembled LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (HLNCM) composed of highly exposed {010} nanobricks is synthesized via a modified co-precipitation method through gradient increase of the ammonia concentration in the reactor. XRD analyses show that the relative intensity of the {101} crystal plane is much stronger than that of typical {001} plane. The porous structure of the HLNCM is also demonstrated by using focused ion beam (FIB) technique. The obtained HLNCM cathode shows superior electrochemical properties with a reversible capacity of 192.8 mAh g−1 at 0.2C between 2.8 and 4.3 V (vs. Li/Li+) and the initial coulombic efficiency (CE) of 88.10%. At 20 C discharge rate, it is still able to deliver a capacity of 128.9 mAh g−1. After 100 deep charge-discharge cycles, a capacity retention of 94.4% is obtained. The excessive content of Li salt and the calcination time, which greatly impact the electrochemical performances of the target product, are also systematically optimized.