LiNi_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ nanoplates with {010} active planes exposing prepared in polyol medium as a high-performance cathode for Li-Ion battery

As we know, Li⁺-ion transport in layered LiNi _1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ (NCM) is through two-dimensional channels parallel to the Li⁺-ion layers that are indexed as {010} active planes. In this paper, NCM nanoplates with exposed {010} active facets are synthesized in a polyol medium (ethylene glycol) and characterized by XRD, XPS, SEM, and HR-TEM. In addition, the effects of reaction conditions on the morphologies, structures and electrochemical performances are also evaluated. The results show that more {010} facets can be exposed with the thickness of NCM nanoplates increasing which can lead to more channels for Li⁺-ion migration. However, when the annealing temperatures exceed 900 °C, many new crystal planes grow along the thickness direction covering the {010} facets. In all of the NCM nanoplates obtained at different conditions, the NCM nanoplates calcined at 850 °C for 12 h (NCM-850-12H) display a high initial discharge capacity of 207.6 mAh g^-1 at 0.1 C (1 C = 200 mA g^-1) between 2.5 and 4.5 V higher than most of NCM materials as cathodes for lithium ion batteries. The discharge capacities of NCM-850-12H are 169.8, 160.5, and 149.3 mAh g^-1 at 2, 5, and 7 C, respectively, illustrating the excellent rate capability. The superior electrochemical performance of NCM-850-12H cathode can be attributed to more {010} active planes exposure.