Improving the Electrochemical Performance of Lithium-Rich Cathode Materials by Vanadium and Titanium Co-Doping Using Solution Combustion Synthesis

Abstract

A lithium-rich layered oxide cathode material (Li1.2[Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13]O2) was synthesized using solution combustion synthesis, and the electrochemical effects of co-doping with vanadium and titanium were studied. Materials analysis showed that layered oxides with an α-NaFeO2 structure, spherical morphology, and particle size distribution between 0.4 and 1 µm were synthesized. Electrochemical experiments (charge–discharge tests) also indicated that the presence of vanadium in the cathode structure increases its specific capacity to 257.6 mAh/g and improves rate capability and cyclic performance. Increasing the amount of titanium in the cathode improves cyclability; however, it also decreases specific capacity. The latter occurs because titanium is not electrochemically active, meaning it does not participate in redox reactions. Also, increasing the amount of titanium beyond 0.02 mol leads to a considerable decrease in the rate capability.