Synergy Between Experiment and Simulation in Describing the Electrochemical Performance of Mg-doped LiNixCoyMnzO2 Cathode Material of Lithium Ion Battery

Electrically powered vehicles (EV) are the next promising transportation candidate. However, energy storage in EVs is a critical issue if transportation needs are to be met. Recently, three element-layered structure materials of the type LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 have found application as cathodes in lithium ion batteries. However, the performance of this battery type over a wide temperature range is poor, and this limits its development into the EV market. We report the synthesis of Mg-doped Li1.1Ni0.497Mg0.003Co0.2Mn0.3O2, prepared by solid-state methods for the improvement of battery performance for EV applications. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed that doping with Mg significantly enhances the thermal structural stability of LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2. Additionally, Mg doping increases discharge capacity by 5% and 10% for room- and low-temperature (10°C) operation, respectively. The increase in thermal stability provided a 66% improvement in the cycle life at high-temperature (60°C) operation.