Synthesis of Li-Rich NMC: A Comprehensive Study

International audienceLi-rich NMC are considered nowadays as one of the most promising candidates for high energy density cathodes. One significant challenge is nested in adjusting their synthesis conditions to reach optimum electrochemical performance, but no consensus has been reached yet on the ideal synthesis protocol. Herein we revisited the elaboration of Li-rich NMC electrodes by focusing on the science involved through each synthesis steps using carbonate Ni 0.1625 Mn 0.675 Co 0.1625 CO 3 precursor co-precipitation combined with solid state synthesis. We demonstrate the effect of precursor's concentration on the kinetics of the precipitation reaction and provide clues to obtain spherically agglomerated NMC carbonates of different sizes. Moreover, we highlight the strong impact of the Li 2 CO 3 /NMC carbonate ratio on the morphology and particles size of Li-rich NMC and subsequently on their electrochemical performance. Ratio of 1.35 was found to reproducibly give the best performance with namely a 1 st discharge capacity of 269 mAh.g-1 and capacity retention of 89.6% after 100 cycles. We hope that our results, which reveal how particle size, morphology and phase composition affect the material's electrochemical performance, will help in reconciling literature data while providing valuable fundamental information for up scaling approaches