LITHIUM ION SECONDARY BATTERY AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING POSITIVE ELECTRODE MATERIAL FOR LITHIUM ION SECONDARY BATTERY

Abstract

A lithium ion secondary battery includes a positive electrode containing a material denoted by a composition formula Li.sub.2Co.sub.1-xNi.sub.xP.sub.2O.sub.7 (0.00<x0.20), a negative electrode, and an electrolyte disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

Claims

1. A lithium ion secondary battery comprising: a positive electrode containing a material denoted by a composition formula Li.sub.2Co.sub.1-xNi.sub.xP.sub.2O.sub.7 (0.00<x0.20); a negative electrode; and an electrolyte disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

2. The lithium ion secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein the material for the positive electrode is a single crystal phase belonging to a space group P2.sub.1/c.

3. The lithium ion secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein the material for the positive electrode has diffraction peaks at 2=14.30.1, 16.50.1, and 29.00.1 based on X-ray diffraction using CuK rays (2=5 to 90).

4. A method of manufacturing a positive electrode material for lithium ion battery, the method comprising: heat-treating a mixture of a lithium salt, a cobalt salt, a nickel salt, and a phosphate denoted by a composition formula Li.sub.2Co.sub.1-xNi.sub.xP.sub.2O.sub.7 (0.00<x0.20).

5. The method of manufacturing a positive electrode material for lithium ion battery according to claim 4, wherein an anion constituting the lithium salt is at least one of a carbonate ion, an oxalate ion, an acetate ion, a nitrate anion, a sulfate anion, a phosphate ion, a fluorine ion, a chlorine ion, a bromine ion, and an iodine ion, an anion constituting the cobalt salt is at least one of a carbonate ion, an oxalate ion, an acetate ion, a nitrate anion, a sulfate anion, a phosphate ion, a fluorine ion, a chlorine ion, a bromine ion, and an iodine ion, and an anion constituting the nickel salt is at least one of a carbonate ion, an oxalate ion, an acetate ion, a nitrate anion, a sulfate anion, a phosphate ion, a fluorine ion, a chlorine ion, a bromine ion, and an iodine ion.

6. The method of manufacturing a positive electrode material for lithium ion battery according to claim 4, wherein a cation constituting the phosphate is an ammonium ion.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view illustrating an example of a lithium ion secondary battery;

[0014] FIG. 2 depicts XRD profiles of products in examples and comparative examples;

[0015] FIG. 3 depicts discharge curves of half cells using positive electrode materials in the examples and comparative examples; and

[0016] FIG. 4 depicts dQ/dV curves of half cells using positive electrode materials in the examples and comparative examples.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Positive Electrode Material for Lithium Ion Secondary Battery

[0018] A positive electrode material for a secondary battery according to the present embodiment is denoted by a composition formula Li.sub.2Co.sub.1-xNi.sub.xP.sub.2O.sub.7 (0.00<x0.20).

[0019] The positive electrode material for the secondary battery Li.sub.2MP.sub.2O.sub.7 (M represents a transition metal) having a pyrophosphate (P.sub.2O.sub.7) unit may reversibly occlude or release lithium through oxidation-reduction of M.sup.3+/2+ or M.sup.4+/3+. A theoretical specific capacity refers to a specific capacity when all lithium in the positive electrode material for lithium ion battery is occluded or released. Li.sub.2MP.sub.2O.sub.7(M represents a transition metal) is expected to be a material having a theoretical specific capacity of 220 mAh/g.

[0020] The present inventors performed research on synthesis of Li.sub.2MP.sub.2O.sub.7 having factors (high specific capacity and high potential) that increase the energy density in combination and realized the embodiments discussed herein.

[0021] The present inventors found that a material [Li.sub.2Co.sub.1-xNi.sub.xP.sub.2O.sub.7 (0.00<x0.20)] produced by substituting some of Co in Li.sub.2MP.sub.2O.sub.7 with Ni had a high potential. In this regard, x satisfies preferably 0.05x0.20 and more preferably 0.10x0.20.

[0022] Preferably, the material is a single crystal phase (space group belongs to P2.sub.1/c) having the same structure as Li.sub.2MP.sub.2O.sub.7. It is preferable that the positive electrode material for lithium ion battery belong to, for example, the space group P2.sub.1/c.

[0023] Substitution of some of Co with Ni has an effect of improving a potential, and an increase in the amount of substitution enhances the effect (about 0.15 V of improvement in potential by substitution of 20% with nickel is observed). However, if the amount of substitution is excessive, an effect of improving a potential is not observed.

[0024] X-Ray Diffraction Peak

[0025] Preferably, the secondary battery positive electrode material has diffraction peaks at 2=14.30.1, 16.50.1, and 29.00.1 based on X-ray diffraction using CuK rays (2=5 to 90).

[0026] When the diffraction peak is measured, a silicon material (NIST 640d) is added and the measurement is performed. The offset of the 2 value is adjusted such that a diffraction peak attributed to a crystal plane index (111) of Si appears at 2=28.44.

[0027] There is no particular limitation regarding the method for manufacturing a secondary battery positive electrode material according to the present embodiment, and the method may be appropriately selected. However, the following method for manufacturing a secondary battery positive electrode material is preferable.

[0028] Method of Manufacturing Positive Electrode Material for Secondary Battery

[0029] The method of manufacturing a positive electrode material for a secondary battery according to the present embodiment includes a heat treatment operation and further includes other operations, for example, a mixing operation, as the situation demands.

[0030] Mixing Operation

[0031] There is no particular limitation regarding the mixing operation as long as a lithium salt, a cobalt salt, a nickel salt, and a phosphate are mixed so as to obtain a mixture thereof in the operation. The mixing operation may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose and may be performed by using, for example, a planetary ball mill.

[0032] There is no particular limitation regarding an anion constituting the lithium salt, and the anion may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose. Examples of the anion include a carbonate ion, an oxalate ion, an acetate ion, a nitrate anion, a sulfate anion, a phosphate ion, a fluorine ion, a chlorine ion, a bromine ion, and an iodine ion. These may be used alone, or at least two types may be used in combination.

[0033] There is no particular limitation regarding the lithium salt, and the lithium salt may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose. Examples of the lithium salt include lithium carbonate (Li.sub.2CO.sub.3), lithium nitrate (LiNO.sub.3), lithium sulfate (Li.sub.2SO.sub.4), lithium perchlorate (LiClO.sub.4), lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF.sub.6), and lithium tetrafluoroborate (LiBF.sub.4). These may be hydrates or anhydrites. For example, lithium carbonate and lithium sulfate are preferable because a side reaction hardly occurs.

[0034] There is no particular limitation regarding an anion constituting the cobalt salt, and the anion may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose. Examples of the anion include a carbonate ion, an oxalate ion, an acetate ion, a nitrate anion, a sulfate anion, a phosphate ion, a fluorine ion, a chlorine ion, a bromine ion, and an iodine ion. These may be used alone, or at least two types may be used in combination.

[0035] There is no particular limitation regarding the cobalt salt, and the cobalt salt may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose. Examples of the cobalt salt include cobalt oxalate, cobalt nitrate, cobalt sulfate, and cobalt chloride. These may be hydrates or anhydrites.

[0036] There is no particular limitation regarding an anion constituting the nickel salt, and the anion may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose. Examples of the anion include a carbonate ion, an oxalate ion, an acetate ion, a nitrate anion, a sulfate anion, a phosphate ion, a fluorine ion, a chlorine ion, a bromine ion, and an iodine ion. These may be used alone, or at least two types may be used in combination.

[0037] There is no particular limitation regarding the nickel salt, and the nickel salt may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose. Examples of the nickel salt include nickel oxalate, nickel acetate, nickel sulfate, nickel nitrate, and nickel chloride. These may be hydrates or anhydrites.

[0038] There is no particular limitation regarding a cation constituting the phosphate, and the cation may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose. The cation may be, for example, an ammonium ion.

[0039] Examples of the phosphate include diammonium hydrogenphosphate. There is no particular limitation regarding the ratio of the lithium salt, the cobalt salt, the nickel salt, and the phosphate when mixing is performed, and the ratio may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose.

[0040] Heat Treatment Operation

[0041] There is no particular limitation regarding the heat treatment operation as long as the mixture is heat-treated, and the heat treatment operation may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose.

[0042] There is no particular limitation regarding the temperature of the heat treatment, and the temperature may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose. However, the temperature is preferably 500 C. to 720 C. and more preferably 620 C. to 680 C.

[0043] There is no particular limitation regarding the time of the heat treatment, and the time may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose. However, the time is preferably 1 hour or more and 24 hours or less, more preferably 2 hours or more and 18 hours or less, and particularly preferably 3 hours or more and 15 hours or less.

[0044] Preferably, the heat treatment is performed in an inert atmosphere. Examples of the inert atmosphere include an argon atmosphere.

[0045] Lithium Ion Secondary Battery

[0046] A lithium ion secondary battery according to the present embodiment includes at least the secondary battery positive electrode material according to the present embodiment and other members, as the situation demands.

[0047] The lithium ion secondary battery includes at least, for example, a positive electrode and further includes other members, for example, a negative electrode, an electrolyte, a separator, a positive electrode case, and a negative electrode case, as the situation demands.

[0048] Positive Electrode

[0049] The positive electrode includes at least the secondary battery positive electrode material according to the present embodiment and further includes other portions, for example, a positive electrode collector, as the situation demands.

[0050] In the positive electrode, the secondary battery positive electrode material functions as a so-called positive electrode active material.

[0051] There is no particular limitation regarding the content of the secondary battery positive electrode material in the positive electrode, and the content may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose.

[0052] In the positive electrode, the secondary battery positive electrode material may be mixed with a conductive material and a binder so as to form a positive electrode layer.

[0053] There is no particular limitation regarding the conductive material, and the conductive material may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose. Examples of the conductive material include carbon-based conductive materials. Examples of the carbon-based conductive materials include acetylene black and carbon black.

[0054] There is no particular limitation regarding the binder, and the binder may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose. Examples of the binder include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), ethylene-propylene-butadiene rubber (EPBR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC).

[0055] There is no particular limitation regarding the material, the size, and the structure of the positive electrode, and these may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose.

[0056] There is no particular limitation regarding the shape of the positive electrode, and the shape may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose. Examples of the shape include a rod-like shape and a disk-like shape.

[0057] Positive Electrode Collector

[0058] There is no particular limitation regarding the shape, the size, and the structure of the positive electrode collector, and these may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose.

[0059] There is no particular limitation regarding the material for the positive electrode collector, and the material may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose. Examples of the material include stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and nickel.

[0060] The positive electrode collector functions to bring the positive electrode layer and the positive electrode case serving as a terminal into good conduction.

[0061] Negative Electrode

[0062] The negative electrode includes at least a negative electrode active material and further includes other portions, for example, a negative electrode collector, as the situation demands.

[0063] There is no particular limitation regarding the size and the structure of the negative electrode, and these may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose.

[0064] There is no particular limitation regarding the shape of the negative electrode, and the shape may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose. Examples of the shape include a rod-like shape and a disk-like shape.

[0065] Negative electrode active material There is no particular limitation regarding the negative electrode active material, and the negative electrode active material may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose. Examples of the negative electrode active material include compounds containing an alkali metal element.

[0066] Examples of the compounds containing an alkali metal element include a metal simple substance, an alloy, a metal oxide, and a metal nitride.

[0067] Examples of the alkali metal element include lithium.

[0068] Examples of the metal simple substance include lithium.

[0069] Examples of the alloy include an alloy containing lithium. Examples of the alloy containing lithium include a lithium aluminum alloy, a lithium tin alloy, a lithium lead alloy, and a lithium silicon alloy.

[0070] Examples of the metal oxide include a metal oxide containing lithium. Examples of the metal oxide containing lithium include a lithium titanium oxide.

[0071] Examples of the metal nitride include a metal nitride containing lithium. Examples of the metal nitride containing lithium include a lithium cobalt nitride, a lithium iron nitride, and a lithium manganese nitride.

[0072] There is no particular limitation regarding the content of the negative electrode active material, and the content may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose.

[0073] In the negative electrode, the negative electrode active material may be mixed with a conductive material and a binder so as to form a negative electrode layer.

[0074] There is no particular limitation regarding the conductive material, and the conductive material may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose. Examples of the conductive material include carbon-based conductive materials. Examples of the carbon-based conductive materials include acetylene black and carbon black.

[0075] There is no particular limitation regarding the binder, and the binder may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose. Examples of the binder include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), ethylene-propylene-butadiene rubber (EPBR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC).

[0076] Negative Electrode Collector

[0077] There is no particular limitation regarding the shape, the size, and the structure of the negative electrode collector, and these may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose.

[0078] There is no particular limitation regarding the material for the negative electrode collector, and the material may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose. Examples of the material include stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and nickel.

[0079] The negative electrode collector functions to bring the negative electrode layer and the negative electrode case serving as a terminal into good conduction.

[0080] Electrolyte

[0081] There is no particular limitation regarding the electrolyte, and the electrolyte may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose. Examples of the electrolyte include a nonaqueous electrolyte and a solid electrolyte.

[0082] Nonaqueous Electrolytic Solution

[0083] Examples of the nonaqueous electrolytic solution include a nonaqueous electrolytic solution containing a lithium salt and an organic solvent.

[0084] Lithium Salt

[0085] There is no particular limitation regarding the lithium salt, and the lithium salt may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose. Examples of the lithium salt include lithium hexafluorophosphate, lithium tetrafluoroborate, lithium perchlorate, lithium bis(pentafluoroethanesulfone)imide, and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfone)imide. These may be used alone, or at least two types may be used in combination.

[0086] There is no particular limitation regarding the concentration of the lithium salt, and the concentration may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose. The concentration in the organic solvent is preferably 0.5 mol/L to 3 mol/L from the viewpoint of ionic conductivity.

[0087] Organic Solvent

[0088] There is no particular limitation regarding the organic solvent, and the organic solvent may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose. Examples of the organic solvent include ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, propylene carbonate, diethyl carbonate, and ethyl methyl carbonate. These may be used alone, or at least two types may be used in combination.

[0089] There is no particular limitation regarding the content of the organic solvent in the nonaqueous electrolytic solution, and the content may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose. The content is preferably 75% by mass to 95% by mass, and more preferably 80% by mass to 90% by mass.

[0090] If the content of the organic solvent is less than 75% by mass, the viscosity of the nonaqueous electrolytic solution increases, and the wettability with the electrode is reduced. As a result, the internal resistance of the battery may be increased. If the content is more than 95% by mass, the ionic conductivity is reduced, and a reduction in the output of the battery may be caused. On the other hand, when the content of the organic solvent is within the above-described more preferable range, there are advantaged in that high ionic conductivity may be maintained and the wettability with the electrode may be maintained because the viscosity of the nonaqueous electrolytic solution is reduced.

[0091] Solid Electrolyte

[0092] There is no particular limitation regarding the solid electrolyte, and the solid electrolyte may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose. Examples of the solid electrolyte include an inorganic solid electrolyte and an intrinsic polymer electrolyte.

[0093] Examples of the inorganic solid electrolyte include a LISICON material and a perovskite material.

[0094] Examples of the intrinsic polymer electrolyte include a polymer having an ethylene oxide bond.

[0095] There is no particular limitation regarding the content of the electrolyte in the lithium ion secondary battery, and the content may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose.

[0096] Separator

[0097] There is no particular limitation regarding the material for the separator, and the material may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose. Examples of the material include paper, cellophane, a polyolefin nonwoven fabric, a polyamide nonwoven fabric, and a glass fiber nonwoven fabric. Examples of the paper include kraft paper, vinylon mixed paper, and synthetic pulp mixed paper.

[0098] There is no particular limitation regarding the shape of the separator, and the shape may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose. Examples of the shape include a sheet-like shape.

[0099] The structure of the separator may be a single layer structure or a multilayer structure.

[0100] There is no particular limitation regarding the size of the separator, and the size may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose.

[0101] Positive Electrode Case

[0102] There is no particular limitation regarding the material for the positive electrode case, and the material may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose. Examples of the material include copper, stainless steel, and a metal that is stainless steel or iron plated with, for example, nickel.

[0103] There is no particular limitation regarding the shape of the positive electrode case, and the shape may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose. Examples of the shape include the shape of a shallow dish with a warped outer edge, the shape of a circular cylinder with a bottom, and the shape of a prism with a bottom.

[0104] The structure of the positive electrode case may be a single layer structure or a multilayer structure. Examples of the multilayer structure include a three-layer structure composed of, for example, nickel, stainless steel, and copper.

[0105] There is no particular limitation regarding the size of the positive electrode case, and the size may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose.

[0106] Negative Electrode Case

[0107] There is no particular limitation regarding the material for the negative electrode case, and the material may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose. Examples of the material include copper, stainless steel, and a metal that is stainless steel or iron plated with, for example, nickel.

[0108] There is no particular limitation regarding the shape of the negative electrode case, and the shape may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose. Examples of the shape include the shape of a shallow dish with a warped outer edge, the shape of a circular cylinder with a bottom, and the shape of a prism with a bottom.

[0109] The structure of the negative electrode case may be a single layer structure or a multilayer structure. Examples of the multilayer structure include a three-layer structure composed of, for example, nickel, stainless steel, and copper.

[0110] There is no particular limitation regarding the size of the negative electrode case, and the size may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose.

[0111] There is no particular limitation regarding the shape of the lithium ion secondary battery, and the shape may be appropriately selected in accordance with the purpose. Examples of the shape include a coin-like shape, a circular cylindrical shape, a rectangular shape, and a sheet-like shape.

[0112] An example of the lithium ion secondary battery according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view illustrating an example of the lithium ion secondary battery according to the present embodiment.

[0113] The lithium ion secondary battery depicted as FIG. 1 is a coin-type lithium ion secondary battery. The coin-type lithium ion secondary battery includes a positive electrode 10 composed of a positive electrode collector 11 and a positive electrode layer 12, a negative electrode 20 composed of a negative electrode collector 21 and a negative electrode layer 22, and an electrolyte layer 30 interposed between the positive electrode 10 and the negative electrode 20. In the lithium ion secondary battery depicted as FIG. 1, the positive electrode collector 11 and the negative electrode collector 21 are fixed to a positive electrode case 41 and a negative electrode case 42, respectively, with a collector 43 interposed therebetween. For example, a polypropylene packing material 44 seals between the positive electrode case 41 and the negative electrode case 42. Each of a gap between the positive electrode collector 11 and the positive electrode case 41 and a gap between the negative electrode collector 21 and the negative electrode case 42 is filled with the collector 43 such that electrical continuity is ensured.

[0114] The positive electrode layer 12 is produced by using the secondary battery positive electrode material according to the present embodiment.

EMBODIMENTS

[0115] Hereinafter, embodiments of the technique disclosed in the present application will be described.

[0116] The following raw materials used in embodiments and comparative examples were available from the companies described below.

[0117] Li.sub.2CO.sub.3: Kojundo Chemical Laboratory Co., Ltd.

[0118] CoC.sub.2O.sub.4.2H.sub.2O: JUNSEI CHEMICAL CO., LTD.

[0119] NiC.sub.2O.sub.4.2H.sub.2O: Kojundo Chemical Laboratory Co., Ltd.

[0120] (NH.sub.4).sub.2HPO.sub.4: KANTO CHEMICAL CO., INC.

Embodiments 1 and 2 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4 Production of H.SUB.2.NiP.SUB.2.O.SUB.7

[0121] Each of lithium carbonate (Li.sub.2CO.sub.3), cobalt oxalate dihydrate (CoC.sub.2O.sub.4.2H.sub.2O), nickel oxalate dihydrate (NiC.sub.2O.sub.4.2H.sub.2O), and diammonium hydrogenphosphate [(NH.sub.4).sub.2HPO.sub.4] was weighed as described in Table 1, and mixing was performed in a planetary ball mill. The resulting mixture was fired in an argon atmosphere at 650 C. for 6 hours. The compositions of all the resulting products were denoted by Li.sub.2Co.sub.1-xNi.sub.xP.sub.2O.sub.7, and the values of x of the respective products were 0.00, 0.10, 0.20, 0.30, 0.50, and 1.00.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Value of x Li.sub.2CO.sub.3 CoC.sub.2O.sub.42H.sub.2O NiC.sub.2O.sub.42H.sub.2O (NH.sub.4).sub.2HPO.sub.4 Comparative 0.00 1.499 g 3.709 g 5.352 g example 1 Embodiment 1 0.10 1.529 g 3.412 g 0.378 g 5.470 g Embodiment 2 0.20 1.540 g 3.040 g 0.762 g 5.489 g Comparative 0.30 1.697 g 2.939 g 1.257 g 6.060 g example 2 Comparative 0.50 1.801 g 2.230 g 2.223 g 6.445 g example 3 Comparative 1.00 1.509 g 3.711 g 5.257 g example 4

[0122] FIG. 2 depicts XRD profiles of the products. In order to adjust a diffraction peak position, a silicon material (NIST 640d) serving as a reference sample was added to each product and the measurement was performed. The offset of the 20 value was adjusted such that a diffraction peak attributed to a crystal plane index (111) of Si appeared at 2=28.44. Regarding the diffraction peaks of the respective products, a mark .circle-solid. was attached to diffraction peaks that was not attributed to a Li.sub.2CoP.sub.2O.sub.7 phase.

[0123] Regarding embodiment 1 and embodiment 2, diffraction spectra that were attributed to a single Li.sub.2CoP.sub.2O.sub.7 phase (JCPDS Card No. 01-080-7757) in the same manner as comparative example 1 were obtained.

[0124] On the other hand, regarding comparative example 2 to comparative example 4, diffraction peaks that were not attributed to the Li.sub.2CoP.sub.2O.sub.7 phase were detected.

[0125] Regarding comparative example 2, the diffraction peaks of Li.sub.2CoP.sub.2O.sub.7 were detected and, in addition, diffraction peaks that were attributed to impurity phases such as a LiCo.sub.2P3O.sub.10 phase (JCPDS Card No. 01-087-1838) and a Li.sub.4P2O.sub.7 phase (JCPDS Card No. 01-077-1415) were also detected.

[0126] Regarding comparative example 3 and comparative example 4, the diffraction peaks of the Li.sub.2CoP.sub.2O.sub.7 phase were not detected, but diffraction peaks that were attributed to a Li.sub.5.88Co.sub.5.06 (P.sub.2O.sub.7).sub.4 phase (JCPDS Card No. 01-070-3615), a Li.sub.2Ni.sub.3(P.sub.2O.sub.7).sub.2 phase (JCPDS Card No. 01-087-1918), or a Li.sub.4P2O.sub.7 phase (JCPDS Card No. 01-077-1415) were mainly detected.

[0127] Charge-Discharge Voltage Evaluation

[0128] A half-cell was produced by using a positive electrode active material that was a product.

[0129] A positive electrode mix was set to contain the positive electrode active material, carbon black (ECP600JD, Lion Corporation), and polyvinylidene fluoride (KF#1300, KUREHA CORPORATION) at a mass ratio (positive electrode active material:carbon black: polyvinylidene fluoride) of 85:10:5.

[0130] Regarding an electrolytic solution used, 1 M of lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide was dissolved into 1-methyl-1-propylpyrroridinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide.

[0131] Metal lithium was used as the negative electrode.

[0132] The condition for a constant current charge-discharge test was as described below.

[0133] Charging was stopped at 5.25 V, and discharging was stopped at 3.0 V. Suspension for 10 minutes in an open circuit state was set between charging and discharging.

[0134] The results are described in Table 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4.

[0135] Table 2 describes numerical values of the charge potential and the discharge potential and the average potential (intermediate value of the charge potential and the discharge potential), FIG. 3 depicts discharge curves, and FIG. 4 depicts dQ/dV curves derived from the discharge curves.

[0136] As is clear from FIG. 3, the discharge potential increased as the amount of substitution with Ni increased. As is clear from the result, depicted as FIG. 4, of the numerical evaluation of the discharge potential, an increase in the potential when x=0.20 compared with the potential when x=0.00 was evaluated as about 0.2 V. Likewise, regarding the charge potential, a tendency of increase in potential was observed, and the average potential was 5.05 V when x=0.20.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Charge potential Discharge potential Average potential x [V] [V] [V] 0.00 5.08 4.72 4.90 0.10 5.12 4.84 4.98 0.20 5.19 4.91 5.05 0.30 5.05 4.83 4.94 0.50 5.09 4.69 4.89 1.00 (charge-discharge was not observed)

[0137] All examples and conditional language provided herein are intended for the pedagogical purposes of aiding the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to further the art, and are not to be construed as limitations to such specifically recited examples and conditions, nor does the organization of such examples in the specification relate to a showing of the superiority and inferiority of the invention. Although one or more embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that the various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.