Microwave-assisted synthesis of submicron single-crystal-like NCM523 cathodes with optimized calcination temperature

Single-crystal-like LiNi x Co y Mn 1-x-y O 2 (SCL-NCM) has attracted considerable attention as a promising cathode material owing to its excellent structural stability, but conventional routes often require complex processing and yield large particles (≥1 μm) that limit Li + transport. Herein, a series of submicron-scale single-crystal-like LiNi 0.5 Co 0.2 Mn 0.3 O 2 (SCL-NCM523) materials with particle sizes of 100–400 nm were synthesized using a microwave-assisted flameless liquid-phase combustion method. The effect of secondary calcination temperature on their structural evolution and electrochemical performance was systematically investigated. The optimized SCL-NCM523–2 sample obtained at 800 °C exhibits single-crystal-like features, an average particle size of approximately 204 nm, and relatively low Li + /Ni 2+ cation mixing. These structural advantages contribute to improved structural stability, reduced polarization, and favorable Li + transport kinetics, enabling SCL-NCM523–2 to deliver a high initial discharge capacity of 147.6 mAh g −1 and maintain 87.2% capacity retention after 100 cycles at 1.0C. In addition, when paired with a Si C anode, the SCL-NCM523–2 // Si C full cell delivers a capacity retention of 91.2% after 100 cycles at 1.0C within the voltage range of 2.8–4.3 V. This study provides a low-temperature route for preparing submicron SCL-NCM523.