Li-rich nanoplates of Li_1.2Ni_0.13Co_0.13Mn_0.54O₂ layered oxide with exposed {010} planes as a high-performance cathode for lithium-ion batteries

The layered lithium-rich cathode material Li_1.2Ni_0.13Co_0.13Mn_0.54O₂ crystallizes with an α-NaFeO₂ structure, through which Li⁺ ions are transported along two-dimensional channels. In this work, nanoplates of Li_1.2Ni_0.13Co_0.13Mn_0.54O₂ (NP-LNCMO) with exposed {010} planes are successfully synthesized. The formation of open structures provides unimpeded paths for Li⁺ ion intercalation/deintercalation. The synthesis involves the use of ethylene glycol with two hydroxyl groups as the solvent, which can also react with the transition metal ions to yield plate-like structures with exposed {010} planes. NP-LNCMO displays a high specific discharge capacity of 288.9 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 C (1 C = 300 mA g⁻¹) and an excellent rate capability (a discharge capacity of 109.7 mAh g⁻¹ at 15 C). Furthermore, negligible voltage decay occurs during 50 charge/discharge cycles. The excellent electrochemical performance of NP-LNCMO can be attributed to the formation of nanoplates with exposed electrochemically active {010} planes.