Synthesis and electrochemical behavior of nanophase LiCoO2

Abstract: Nanophase LiCoO2 samples were prepared by means of two methods: the sol-gel method and through a solid-state reaction at low heat. The nm-LiCoO2 sample produced by the sol-gel method has a slightly higher discharge capacity and a higher working voltage plateau than those of the conventional sample S (e.g. SC10 LiCoO2 from Merck). The working voltage plateau of the LiCoO2 sample made through a solid state reaction at low heat is also raised, although its initial discharge capacity is not high. There are optimum ratios for mixing nm-samples with conventional sample S. The mixtures in which nm-samples prepared by the sol-gel method and through a solid-state reaction at low heat make up 10 % and 7.5 % of the mixtures, respectively, show the best performance. The nanophase LiCoO2 and the mixed LiCoO2 both show good stability during cycling. Key words: Nanophase LiCoO2, synthesis, sol-gel, high discharge capacity, high variable voltage. 1