Synthesis and characterization of LiCo_1/3Ni_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ by an improved sol-gel method

A novel LiCo_1/3Ni_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ (A) was prepared using activated carbon as additive by an improved sol-gel method. The structure and electrochemical properties of the prepared sample were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and electrochemical experiments. The results showed that the sample had a typical hexagonal structure with a single phase, and the product consisted of well mixed nano-particles (200 nm) and micron-particles (1 μm). When the sample electrode was cycled at 0.1 mA·cm^-2 in the potential between 2.8-4.5 V at room temperature, the charge/discharge capacity of the first cycle were 199.3/173.9 mA·h·g^-1 and its coulombic efficiency was 87.3%. Compared with the sample obtained by traditional method improved 9.1% and 3.3%, the new sample in the reversible capacity and coulombic efficiency respectively.