Facile hydrothermal method synthesis of coralline-like Li_1.2Mn_0.54Ni_0.13Co_0.13O₂ hierarchical architectures as superior cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Highlights: • A coralline-like Li_1.20Mn_0.54Ni_0.13Co_0.13O₂ cathode was synthesized by hydrothermal method. • Initial discharge capacity of 250.2 mAh g⁻¹ for the cathode was obtained at 0.1 C. • A high reversible specific capacity of 210.2 mAh g⁻¹ after 100 cycles was acquired. • The high capacity retention of 84.5% was obtained even after 200 cycles at 10 C. - Abstract: A coralline-like lithium-rich layered cathode material with homogeneous composition of Li_1.20Mn_0.54Ni_0.13Co_0.13O₂ has been successfully synthesized via a facile ethanolamine (EA)-mediated hydrothermal method route, with subsequent calcination at 850 °C. An initial specific discharge capacity of 250.2 mAh g⁻¹ and a reversible specific capacity of 210.2 mAh g⁻¹ after 100 cycles at a constant density of 25 mA g⁻¹ (1 C = 250 mA g⁻¹) are acquired. Even at 10 C, it still delivers a discharge capacity of approximately 100 mA h g⁻¹, thereby indicating its excellent high power performance. The sample also shows enhanced cycling performance with 88.5%, 79.9% and 90.5% of capacity retention after 100 cycles at 0.5, 5 and 10 C rates, respectively. Besides, 84.5% of initial capacity is retained even after 200 cycles at 10 C. Consequently, the fascinating electrochemical performance may facilitate the coralline-like LMNCO composite to be a promising alternative cathode for LIBs with a high application potential