LiNi₁/₃Co₁/₃Mn₁/₃O₂-graphene composite as a promising cathode for lithium-ion batteries

The use of graphene as a conductive additive to enhance the discharge capacity and rate capability of LiNi(1/3)Co(1/3)Mn(1/3)O(2) electrode material has been demonstrated. LiNi(1/3)Co(1/3)Mn(1/3)O(2) and its composite with graphene (90:10 wt %) were prepared by microemulsion and ball-milling techniques, respectively. The structural and morphological features of the prepared materials were investigated with powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Characterization techniques depict single-phase LiNi(1/3)Co(1/3)Mn(1/3)O(2) with particle sizes in the range of 220-280 nm. Electrochemical studies on LiNi(1/3)Co(1/3)Mn(1/3)O(2) and LiNi(1/3)Co(1/3)Mn(1/3)O(2)-graphene were conducted using cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy methods by constructing a lithium half-cell. Cyclic voltammograms show the well-defined redox peaks corresponding to Ni(2+)/Ni(4+). Charge-discharge tests were performed at different C rates: 0.05, 1, and 5 between 2.5 and 4.4 V. The results indicate the better electrochemical performance of the LiNi(1/3)Co(1/3)Mn(1/3)O(2)-graphene composite in terms of high discharge capacity (188 mAh/g), good rate capability, and good cycling performance compared to LiNi(1/3)Mn(1/3)Co(1/3)O(2). The improved electrochemical performance of the LiNi(1/3)Co(1/3)Mn(1/3)O(2)-graphene composite is attributed to a decrease in the charge-transfer resistance.