A facile and scalable self-assembly strategy to prepare two-dimensional nanoplates: a precursor for a Li-rich layered cathode material Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 with high capacity and rate performance

Li-rich layered oxide is one of the most promising cathode materials for high-energy-density Li-ion batteries (LIBs). The composition, structure and morphology of precursors have significant influence on the electrochemical performance of the final cathode material. The capacity and initial coulombic efficiency of Li 1.2 Mn 0.54 Ni 0.13 Co 0.13 O 2 can be simultaneously improved by sintering a nanoplate precursor with Li 2 CO 3 in our previous work. Herein, the morphology and the formation mechanism of such nanoplate are investigated through a designed orthogonal tests. The optimal concentration of transition metal ions, 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid (HEPES) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) are 0.1, 0.031 and 0.004   g   mL −1 , respectively. The as-prepared Li 1.2 Mn 0.54 Ni 0.13 Co 0.13 O 2 from optimal nanoplate demonstrate an improved discharge capacity (323.8   mAh   g −1 at 20   mA   g −1 ), initial coulombic efficiency (81.3%), and rate capability (195.8   mAh   g −1 at 3C). This new precursor architecture opens a promising avenue for the development of high-performances cathode materials of LIBs.