LT-LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2: A Partially-Disordered, Composite Rock Salt Cathode Prepared by Flame Spray Pyrolysis for Li-Ion Batteries

A unique composite cathode structure for Li-ion batteries, designated LT-LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 (or LT-NMC111), has been prepared by flame spray pyrolysis and subsequent annealing between 400 and 650 degrees C. It is composed predominantly of structurally-integrated and partially-disordered lithiated-spinel and layered components, both of which can be broadly described as partially-disordered rock salt constituents. The paper describes the evolution of the LT-NMC111 structure as a function of the synthesis method, annealing temperature, and electrochemical properties in the context of other recently reported "low-temperature" (LT) materials, such as LT-LiCo1-xAlxO2 and LT-LiMn0.5Ni0.5O2 or, in spinel notation, LT-Li2Co2-2xAl2xO4 and LT-Li2MnNiO4, respectively.