Synthesis of Li[Ni_0.475Co_0.05Mn_0.475] O₂ cathode materials via a carbonate process

Spherical Li[Ni_0.475Co_0.05Mn_0.475]O ₂ powders were synthesized from LiOH•H₂O and coprecipitated spherical metal carbonate, (Ni_0.475Co _0.05Mn_0.475)CO₃. Due to the homogeneity and spherical morphology of the metal carbonate, the final product, Li[Ni _0.475Co_0.05Mn_0.475]O₂, was also significantly uniform with a narrow particle size distribution and an average particle of about 15 μm. TEM observation showed that each spherical particle consisted of finer primary particles whose size ranged from 200 nm to 300 nm. The Li[Ni_0.475Co_0.05Mn_0.475]O₂ electrode delivered an initial discharge capacity of approximately 160 mAh g^{- 1} showing no capacity loss up to 50 cycles with excellent rate capability.