The Electrochemical Properties of Cu Coated $LiCr_{0.2}V_{0.2}Mn_{0.6}O_2$ Nanocomposites for High Rate Li-Ion Batteries

Several reported problems of commercial LiCoO₂ electrode materials such as high cost, toxicity, limited rate capability and safety concerns are still remain to be problematic to develop the lithium ion consumer electronics such as mobile phones, tablets and notebook computers. In this study, an alternative nanocomposite electrode material based on $LiCr_{0.2}V_{0.2}Mn_{0.6}O_2$ and copper coated one were produced via a facile sol-gel method and electroless Cu deposition techniques. The resulting samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (Rigaku DMax 2200 diffractometer) using a monochromatized Cu-Kα source (λ=1.5406 Å) and 2θ scan range from 10° to 80° with a speed of 1° $\text{min}^{-1}$. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used in order to characterize the morphology of the active materials. The as-synthesized $Cu//LiCr_{0.2}V_{0.2}Mn_{0.6}O_2$ composite cathode exhibits a stable capacity on cycling and good rate capability after 50 cycles and total capacity retention of 93% is obtained. The unique 2D structure of the composite cathode material, its good electrochemical performances and its relatively low cost comparing to LiCoO₂, make this material very promising for applications.