43. Electrochemical Evaluation of High Rate Cu/LiCr_2/3V_1/6Mn_1/6O₂ Nanocomposite Structures as Cathode Electrodes for Li-Ion Batteries

In this study, a strategy used to design high-capacity (>200 mAh g⁻¹), Cu-coated LiMO₂ (M = Mn, Cr, V) electrodes for lithium-ion batteries is discussed. The advantages of the LiCr_2/3V_1/6Mn_1/6O₂ component and its influence on the structural stability and electrochemical properties of these layered electrodes are highlighted. In this study, LiCr_2/3V_1/6Mn_1/6O₂ cathode active materials were prepared via facile sol–gel method and were then coated with Cu via electroless deposition techniques. Structural, chemical and electrochemical properties of LiCr_2/3V_1/6Mn_1/6O₂ electrodes are considered. The phase purity and the structural characterisation of the synthesised cathode active electrodes were analysed by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) using a Rigaku D/Max 2200 system and Cu Kα radiation. Surface morphology of the synthesised cathode electrodes was analysed via SEM tests. The electrochemical tests have shown that higher initial discharge capacities are obtained after first cycle. A total discharge capacity of 206 mAh g⁻¹ and 194 mAh g⁻¹ was obtained after first discharge cycle for LiCr_2/3V_1/6Mn_1/6O₂ and Cu/LiCr_2/3V_1/6Mn_1/6O₂ samples, respectively. Best results were obtained for Cu/LiCr_2/3V_1/6Mn_1/6O₂ electrodes, and a total capacity retention of 88 % was obtained after 50 cycles. From the experimental data, it is concluded that both Cr and V substitution and surface modifying with copper is an effective way to improve the cyclability of lithium-ion batteries for commercial applications.