High performance lithium cobalt oxides prepared in molten KCl for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries

Lithium cobalt oxides (LiCoO₂) powders have been easily prepared using molten KCl as high-temperature solvent. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) measurements indicate that the obtained LiCoO₂ powders are homogenous and the particle size of LiCoO ₂ powders can be controlled by flux content and heating time. For a LiCoO₂ sample heating at 850°C for 1 h, at molar ratio of KCl/CoO=4, the particle-size distribution is narrow at about 1 μm and most particles show spherical shape. Electrochemical studies indicate this sample has an excellent discharge capacity and cycling performance.