Enhanced electrochemical performance of Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 prepared by using activated carbon as template and carbon source.

A novel carbon modified Li_1.2Mn_0.54Ni_0.13Co_0.13O₂ has been successfully fabricated by using activated carbon (AC) as template and carbon source via sol-gel method. The AC modified Li_1.2Mn_0.54Ni_0.13Co_0.13O₂ (denoted as LLMO@AC) particles with less agglomeration show a nearly spherical structure with a size distribution range of 150~250 nm. As cathode material, such LLMO@AC delivers a significantly enhanced first capacity (245.7 mAh g⁻¹) with a satisfied capacity retention ratio (87.4%) after 100 cycles at 150 mA g⁻¹. Even if the current is increased to 1.5 A g⁻¹, LLMO@AC still owns a high average discharge capacity of 161.1 mAh g⁻¹. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results reveal that the LLMO@AC electrode has lower charge transfer resistance and higher lithium-ion diffusion coefficient compared with pristine LLMO and the LLMO synthesized by directly using glucose as carbon sources (LLMO@G). This work provides an effective modification strategy to improve the electrochemical performance of LLMO and promote the industrialization of LLMO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]