Precursor and method for preparing Ni based cathode material for rechargeable lithium ion batteries

Abstract

A crystalline precursor compound for manufacturing a lithium transition metal based oxide powder usable as an active positive electrode material in lithium-ion batteries, the precursor having a general formula Li1−a((Niz(Ni1/2 Mn1/2)yCox)1−k Ak)1+aO2, wherein x+y+z=1, 0.1≤x≤0.4, 0.25≤z≤0.52, A is a dopant, 0≤k≤0.1, and 0.03≤a≤0.35, wherein the precursor has a crystalline size L expressed in nm, with 15≤L≤36. Also a method is described for manufacturing a positive electrode material having a general formula Li1+a′M′1−a−O2, with M′=(Niz(Ni1/2 Mn1/2)yCOx)1−k Ak, wherein x+y+z=1.0.1≤x≤0.4, 0.25≤z≤0.52, A is a dopant, 0≤k≤0.1, and 0.01≤a′≤0.10, by sintering the lithium deficient precursor powder mixed with either one of LiOH, LiOH.H2O, in an oxidizing atmosphere at a temperature between 800 and 1000° C., for a time between 6 and 36 hrs.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.