Enhanced electrochemical performance of lithium-rich layered oxide cathodes by a facile self-template method for lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-rich layered oxide cathode material Li_1.2Ni_0.13Co_0.13Mn_0.54O₂ has been successfully synthesized via a self-template method followed with sol-gel reaction, microspheres consisting of three-dimensional (3D) nanothorn MnO₂ are used as the template and Mn source. The as-prepared sample (denoted as LNCM-T) exhibits well-layered structure and high crystallinity, which is confirmed by XRD and HRTEM. The results of electrochemical performances show that the LNCM-T sample has excellent high-rate capability with a discharge capacity of 159.7 mA h g⁻¹ at a current density of 1250 mA g⁻¹. Besides, it delivers a high initial Coulombic efficiency of 84.3% with a discharge capacity of 243.8 mA h g⁻¹ at room temperature. The remarkable cycling stability and excellent rate capability of LNCM-T sample are ascribed to the enhanced layered structural stability, short lithium-ion diffusion path and reduced charge transfer resistance.