Flakelike LiCoO2 with Exposed {010} Facets As a Stable Cathode Material for Highly Reversible Lithium Storage

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) is a crucial cathode material for lithium-ion batteries.
• Enhancing LiCoO2 performance, especially at high voltages and wide temperature ranges, remains a key challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize a LiCoO2 cathode material with exposed {010} facets for improved electrochemical performance.
• To investigate the rate capability, cycling stability, thermal stability, and low-temperature performance of the synthesized LiCoO2.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of LiCoO2 using a cobalt hydroxide nanoflake template via coprecipitation.
• Electrochemical testing including rate capability, cycling stability at elevated temperatures, and low-temperature performance.

Main Results:

• The LiCoO2 material exhibited excellent rate capability up to 10 C at 4.5 V.
• High specific capacity and good cycling stability (88% retention after 100 cycles at 55 °C) were achieved.
• Impressive low-temperature performance was demonstrated, with the highest reported subzero-temperature lithium storage capability.

Conclusions:

• The unique hierarchical structure and exposed {010} facets of the flakelike LiCoO2 contribute to its superior electrochemical properties.
• This material shows significant potential as a high-performance cathode for lithium-ion batteries operating under demanding conditions.