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Nanosize effect on high-rate Li-ion intercalation in LiCoO2 electrode
Masashi Okubo1, Eiji Hosono, Jedeok Kim
1National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Umezono, 1-1-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0012, Japan.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|May 22, 2007
Summary
Size-controlled synthesis of nanocrystalline lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) was achieved. Optimal particle size (17 nm) enhances high-rate capability, while extreme nanosizing below 15 nm is detrimental.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- High-rate capability is crucial for modern battery technology.
- Slow lithium-ion diffusion in electrodes limits charge-discharge rates.
- Nanosizing offers increased surface area and shorter diffusion paths for faster ion transport.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a size-controlled synthesis of nanocrystalline lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2).
- To systematically investigate the structural and electrochemical properties of LiCoO2 nanoparticles.
- To determine the optimal nanoparticle size for enhanced electrochemical performance.
Main Methods:
- Hydrothermal reaction for size-controlled synthesis of LiCoO2 nanoparticles.
- Powder X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy for structural analysis.
- Electrochemical measurements and theoretical analyses for performance evaluation.
Main Results:
- Lattice expansion was observed in nanocrystalline LiCoO2.
- Extreme size reduction below 15 nm was found to be unfavorable for performance.
- Nanocrystalline LiCoO2 with a particle size of 17 nm demonstrated excellent high-rate capability (65% of 1 C at 100 C).
Conclusions:
- Size-controlled synthesis of LiCoO2 nanoparticles is feasible via hydrothermal methods.
- Particle size significantly impacts the structural and electrochemical properties of LiCoO2.
- An optimal particle size of approximately 17 nm maximizes high-rate performance in LiCoO2 cathodes.
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