Lithium Cobalt Oxide as Lithium Ion Battery Cathode Materials Prepared by Flame Spray Pyrolysis Method

Lithium ion batteries are considered the most promising energy storage and conversion device candidates for use in future electric vehicle applications due to their ultrahigh energy density. In this study, a facile, ultrafast and green flame spray pyrolysis method was developed well to efficiently fabricate submicron-sized lithium cobaltite spheres from an aqueous spray solution of lithium nitrate and cobalt nitrate. Molar ratios of lithium: cobalt in the precursor solution was altered at three different levels, viz., 1: 1, 1.3: 1 and 1.7: 1. Then samples obtained under same conditions were calcined. Also, sample obtained with molar ratios of lithium: cobalt 1.7: 1, under different conditions atmosphere was calcined. The sample calcined in oxygen atmosphere with low flow was phase pure crystalline rhombohedral lithium cobalt oxide. Furthermore, this sample showed an acceptable performance as cathode active material of lithium ion battery. The rechargeable capacity was 162 mAh g-1 at 0.1 C and 101 mAh g-1 at 1 C and capacity retention of 84% after 50 cycles at this rate for this sample was observed.