Morphology-optimization-enabled rate and cycle performance of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 cathodes: evaluation at coin and pouch cell level under different temperatures

High power batteries need to be safe, stable, and have a high energy density and rate at wide temperature range. In this paper, three types of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 (NCM111) cathodes with different surface morphologies were synthesized, and investigated using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and through examining them within coin and pouch cells. The results show that the NCM111 cathode with quasi-crystal surface morphology has balanced performance and a stable crystal structure. When applied in pouch cells, this cathode shows a superior capacity retention of 94% at a discharging rate of 30 C and 83.33% after 2000 cycles at a charging/discharging rate of 3 C/3 C at 45 °C, which makes it a promising candidate for high power systems.