High-rate LiNi_0.815Co_0.15Al_0.035O₂ cathode material prepared by spray drying method for Li-ion batteries

Nickel-rich LiNi_xCo_yAl_1−x−yO₂ (x ≥ 0.5) cathode materials suffer from poor cycle stability and rate capability. Herein, based on a spray drying and a high-temperature calcination process, the LiNi_0.815Co_0.15Al_0.035O₂ (NCA) cathode material is synthesized successfully. Besides, the reasons for good rate capability of the material are analyzed in detail. The results show that the loose and porous morphology of NCA could facilitate Li⁺ diffusion and electron transportation. Thus, it can keep a good electrochemical performance under high current density. As a cathode material, it generates a capacity of 200 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 C, good capacity retention of 94% after 100 cycles at 0.5 C and 90.6% after 150 cycles at 1 C. More impressively, it exhibits a capacity of 169 mAh g⁻¹ at 5 C. In addition, integrating cathode NCA and anode graphite into a full cell, it generates a capacity of 185 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.5 C with the capacity retention of 100% after 100 cycles.