Resynthesis of LiCo sub(1-x)Mn sub(x)O sub(2) as a cathode material for lithium secondary batteries

A recycling process involving chemical, mechanical, and electrochemical steps has been applied to recover cobalt from spent lithium ion batteries and resynthesize cathode active materials. LiCo sub(1-x)Mn sub(x)O sub(2) powders using Co salt including Mn from the leach liquor were resynthesized by solid-state reaction as cathode active materials. When the powder mixture with added Li salt was calcined at 950 degree C for 8 hours, well crystallined LiCo sub(1-x)Mn sub(x)O sub(2) was successfully obtained. The LiCo sub(1-x)Mn sub(x)O sub(2) powders with a ratio of Co:Mn=10:1 has a discharge capacity of 156.3 mAh/g at a rate of 20 mA/g with no perceptible capacity loss, in sharp contrast to the pure LiCoO sub(2) as active materials. The resynthesized LiCo sub(1-x)Mn sub(x)O sub(2) was proven to have good characteristics as cathode active materials in charge/discharge capacity and cyclic performance.