Morphology-controllable synthesis and excellent electrochemical performance of Ni-rich layered NCM622 as cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries via glycerin-assisted solvothermal method

High performance Ni-rich layered materials are widely regarded as valuable energy materials due to their good electrochemical performance and low preparation cost. The design of reasonable morphology and size is one of the effective ways to improve the structural stability of lithium-ion battery cathode materials. Here, a simple glycerin solvothermal strategy is introduced to achieve this goal. Furthermore, the influence of microstructure on the electrochemical properties and structural stability of Ni-rich layered cathode materials is studied. In particular, the cathode material LiNi 0.6 Co 0.2 Mn 0.2 O 2 -50% glycerin (NCM-5) in the form of microspheres shows the best electrochemical performance and cyclic stability in all samples. After 100 cycles, the capacity retention rate is 79.25%. It is confirmed that the specific morphology and reasonable size can effectively alleviate the structural degradation and phase transition of particles after long-term cyclic testing. • Developed a glycerin-assisted solvothermal strategy to controlled-synthesis NCM622. • The morphology of NCM622 could be adjusted by the addition of glycerin. • Glycerin could effectively regulate the direction of crystal growth. • The NCM622 microspheres showed the best cycle stability and rate capability.