An ultrafast synthesis method of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 cathodes by flash/field-assisted sintering

LiNi 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 as a promising cathode material in lithium-ion batteries was synthesized by flash/field-assisted sintering technique for the first time. This study showed that the current-limited synthesis of LiNi 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 could be carried out at temperatures less than 400°C for only 8 minutes, compared with the conventional pressureless sintering at 850°C for 12 hours. X-ray diffraction results showed the phase evolution from precursor mixtures to the final LiNi 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 products during flash/field-assisted sintering process and a well-layered structure without undesirable cation mixing in the as-formed LiNi 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 . Combined with the lowered sintering temperatures and reduced sintering time, the excellent electrochemical performance of flash/field-assisted sintered LiNi 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 materials suggested that this technique could be an energy-efficient approach for the synthesis of lithium-ion battery cathode materials and other materials requiring high-temperature heat treatment.