Rod-like hierarchical nano/micro Li1.2Ni0.2Mn0.6O2 as high performance cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Rod-like hierarchical nano/micro structured lithium rich materials (RH-LNMO), Li1.2Ni0.2Mn0.6O2, have been synthesized using a facile hydrothermal method. The as-prepared samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), filed emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The rod-like hierarchical structures (1–3μm in width and 3–10μm in length) are assembled by nanoparticles with average sizes of 20–150nm. Electrochemical data demonstrates that lithium cells using this lithium rich material as the cathode exhibit excellent performances. This material retains a high discharge capacity of 212.5mAhg−1 (97% of the first discharge capacity) after 30 cycles at 1C-rate, and it yields an initial discharge capacity of 198mAhg−1 at 2C-rate. The superior performance is attributed to the merits of the hierarchical nano/micro structures. [Display omitted] •A rod-like hierarchical nano/micro Li1.2Ni0.2Mn0.6O2 is prepared by a hydrothermal method.•A high discharge capacity of 266mAhg−1 is retained by this material after 50 cycles at 0.1C-rate.•It delivers a maximal capacity of 224mAhg−1 and 214.3mAhg−1 at 1C-rate and 2C-rate, respectively.•Superior rate capability and cycleability are obtained attributed to the hierarchical nano/micro structures.