High Rate Capability of Porous LiNi[sub 1/3]Co[sub 1/3]Mn[sub 1/3]O[sub 2] Synthesized by Polymer Template Route

Layered LiNi 1 / 3 Co 1 / 3 Mn 1 / 3 O 2 , which is isostructural with LiCoO 2 , is considered as a potential cathode material for Li-ion batteries. Submicrometer sized porous particles are useful for high discharge rates. The present work involves a synthesis of submicrometer sized porous particles of LiNi 1 / 3 Co 1 / 3 Mn 1 / 3 O 2 using a triblock copolymer as a soft template. The precursor obtained from the reaction is heated at different temperatures between 600 and 900 ° C for 6 h to get the final product samples. The compound attains increased crystallinity with an increase in the temperature of preparation. However, there is a decrease in the surface area and also in the porosity of the sample. Nevertheless, the LiNi 1 / 3 Co 1 / 3 Mn 1 / 3 O 2 sample prepared at 900 ° C exhibits a high rate capability and stable capacity retention on cycling. The electrochemical performance of LiNi 1 / 3 Co 1 / 3 Mn 1 / 3 O 2 prepared in the absence of the polymer template is inferior to that of the sample prepared in the presence of the polymer template.