Electrochemical performance of NCM/LFP/Al composite cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries

The LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2 (NCM) was synthesized via conventional solution combustion synthesis method. Different amounts of LiFePO4 (10, 20 and 30 wt%) were added to NCM via the ball milling technique to improve electrochemical performance including discharge capacity, cycle stability, and rate capability. The LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2/LiFePO4 containing 20 wt% LiFePO4 was considered as the optimum composition according to the electrochemical results and SEM images. The Al powder was added to optimum LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2/LiFePO4-0.2 composite through planetary ball mill to enhance the conductivity of LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2/LiFePO4-0.2. The LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2/LiFePO4-0.2/Al composite cathodes provide better electrochemical performance compared to pure LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2 cathodes. The results indicate that by addition of 20 wt% of LiFePO4, the internal resistance of the electrode as well as the charge transfer resistance are reduced. Due to the strong P–O bond of the PO4 in LiFePO4, side reactions between the active electrode and electrolyte is prevented. In addition, according to weakness of the Ionic conductivity in solid electrolyte, in this paper aluminum powders added to the electrode for resolving this problem.