Method for preparing a positive electrode material for rechargeable lithium ion batteries
AssigneesUmicore AG & Co. KG, Umicore Korea Ltd.
InventorsRandy DE PALMA, Kasper LAMBRIGHS, Dae-Hyun KIM, HyeJeong YANG
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Abstract
This invention relates to a process for manufacturing lithium nickel cobalt oxide-based cathode compounds for lithium ion secondary batteries. As part of this process, nickel, cobalt, and optionally manganese-bearing precursor compounds are lithiated and sintered at a high temperature. When cooled down, a high cooling rate will benefit the throughput of the process and the economics. It has however been found that the cooling rate should not exceed 10° C./min in what has been determined to be a critical temperature domain, ranging from 700° C. to 550° C.
Claims15
1-15. (canceled)
A process for preparing a positive electrode material for lithium-ion batteries comprising the steps of:
- subjecting a mixed metal compound pM comprising nickel and at least one metal selected from cobalt, manganese and aluminium to a heat treatment at a temperature Ts of at least 650° C., thereby obtaining a heat-treated mixed metal compound M;
- in a first cooling stage, cooling said heat-treated mixed metal compound M to an intermediate temperature T1 being the lower of 700° C. and the sintering temperature Ts;
- in a second cooling stage, cooling said heat-treated mixed metal compound M from said intermediate temperature T1 to 550° C. at a mean cooling rate of more than 2° C./min and of less than 10° C./min;
- and
- in a final cooling stage, cooling said heat-treated mixed metal compound M to ambient temperature, thereby obtaining a positive electrode material for lithium-ion batteries.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.