Characterization of Atmospheric H 2 -Plasma-Treated LiNi 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 as Cathode Materials in Lithium Rechargeable Batteries

LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 powder for cathode materials in lithium rechargeable batteries was treated by atmospheric plasma containing hydrogen to investigate the relationship between charge/discharge performance and physical/chemical changes of materials. Hydrogen plasma at atmosphere pressure was irradiated on the surface of active materials, and the change for their crystal structure, surface morphology, and chemical composition were observed by XRD, SEM-EDS and titration method, respectively. The crystal structure and surface morphology of H2 plasma-treated powders were not changed but their chemical compositions were slightly varied. For charge/ discharge test, H2 plasma affected initial capacity and rate capability of active materials but continuous cycling was not subject to plasma treatment. Therefore, it was observed that H2 plasma treatment affected the surface of materials and caused the change of chemical composition.