Synthesis, Characterization and Charge-Discharge Profile of LiMn0.3Co0.3Ni0.3Fe0.1O2 Prepared via Sol-Gel Method

LiCoO2 is a well established commercial Li-ion battery cathode. However, due to cost constraints and the toxicity of the metal, other layered compounds should be investigated. In this paper, layered LiMn0.3Co0.3Ni0.3Fe0.1O2 were prepared using sol-gel method with CH3COOLi•2H2O, (CH3CO2)2Mn•4H2O, (CH3CO2)2Co•4H2O, (CH3CO2)2Ni•4H2O and Fe (NO3)3•9H2O as starting materials. The sample was characterized by simultaneous thermogravimetric analysis, x-ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The electrochemical characteristics were studied by a charge-discharge cycle done on the fabricated cell using a charge current of 1.0 mA and a discharge current 0.5 mA between 4.2 and 0.5 V. The XRD results showed that the layered LiMn0.3Co0.3Ni0.3Fe0.1O2 were of pure phase with discharge capacity of about 136 mAhg-1. The batteries were then subjected to a series of charge-discharge cycling in the voltage range of 2.5 to 4.2 V. The results showed there was little loss of capacity after 10 cycles.