NI-RICH TERNARY CATHODE MATERIAL, PREPARATION METHOD AND APPLICATION THEREOF

Abstract

A Ni-rich ternary cathode material, a preparation method and application thereof are disclosed. The method for preparing a Ni-rich ternary cathode material includes: using a Ni—Co—Mn ternary cathode material as a precursor and a metal boride as a modifier, adding a lithium-derived material, heating for a sintering, to prepare the Ni-rich ternary cathode material.

Claims

1. A method for preparing a Ni-rich ternary cathode material, comprising: using a Ni—Co—Mn ternary cathode material as a precursor and a metal boride as a modifier, adding a lithium-derived material, heating for a sintering, to prepare the Ni-rich ternary cathode material.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the metal boride comprises a transition metal boride.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the heating for a sintering comprises a low-temperature sintering and a high-temperature sintering, in which a heating rate during the low-temperature sintering is not more than 2° C./min, and a heating rate during the high-temperature sintering is not more than 0.75° C./min.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the low-temperature sintering is conducted to 550-700° C., and the high-temperature sintering is conducted to 750-850° C.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the low-temperature sintering is conducted for 1-5 h, and the high-temperature sintering is conducted for 5-15 h.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the Ni—Co—Mn ternary cathode material as the precursor comprises Ni.sub.xCo.sub.yMn.sub.1-x-y(OH).sub.2, where 0.8≤x<1, 0<y<0.2, and x+y<1, and the lithium-derived material comprises one of LiOH H.sub.2O and Li.sub.2CO.sub.3.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprising subjecting the Ni—Co—Mn ternary cathode material, the lithium-derived material and the metal boride to a mechanical ball milling in a certain ratio for a certain time, to obtain a uniformly mixed material.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein a molar ratio of the Ni—Co—Mn ternary cathode material to the lithium-derived material to the metal boride is ranging from 1:1.05:0.001 to 1:1.05:0.01.

9. A Ni-rich ternary cathode material, which is prepared by the method of claim 1.

10. A method for preparing a lithium-ion battery cathode material, comprising using the Ni-rich ternary cathode material of claim 9 to prepare the lithium-ion battery cathode material.

11. The method of claim 2, wherein the metal boride is one or two selected from the group consisting of ZrB.sub.2, and TiB.sub.2.

12. The method of claim 3, wherein the heating rate during the low-temperature sintering is in the range of 1.5-1.8° C./min.

13. The method of claim 3, wherein the heating rate during the high-temperature sintering is in the range of 0.5-0.75° C./min.

14. The method of claim 5, wherein the low-temperature sintering is conducted for 3-4 h.

15. The method of claim 5, wherein the high-temperature sintering is conducted for 8-12 h.

16. The method of claim 8, wherein the molar ratio of the Ni—Co—Mn ternary cathode material to the lithium-derived material to the metal boride is ranging from 1:1.05:0.001 to 1:1.05:0.005.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] FIG. 1 shows X-ray diffraction (XRD) images of materials as prepared in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1.

[0023] FIG. 2 shows transmission electron microscope (TEM) images of materials as prepared in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1.

[0024] FIG. 3 shows electrochemical cycle diagrams of materials as prepared in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1, 2, and 3.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of 2ZB-NCM811 in Example 1.

[0026] FIGS. 5A to 5C show scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of Ni.sub.0.8Co.sub.0.1Mn.sub.0.1(OH).sub.2, NCM811 in Comparative Example 1 and 2ZB-NCM811 in Example 1, respectively.

[0027] FIG. 5C is an enlarged SEM image of 2ZB-NCM811 in Example 1.

[0028] FIGS. 5D to 5E show Zr and B mappings on the surface of 2ZB-NCM811 in Example 1, respectively.

[0029] FIG. 5G is a focused ion beam-scanning electron microscope (FIB-SEM) image of 2ZB-NCM811 in Example 1.

[0030] FIGS. 5H to 5I show Zr and B mappings in the bulk of 2ZB-NCM811 in Example 1, respectively.

[0031] FIG. 6 shows TEM images of materials as prepared in Example 2 and Comparative Examples 2 and 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0032] The following examples are used to further illustrate the present disclosure, but not to limit the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0033] The materials involved in the following examples are all commercially available.

[0034] The ternary cathode material as the precursor used in the following examples is commercially available, or provided by Zoomwe Group in Guizhou, China.

Example 1

[0035] (1) Ni-rich cathode material Ni.sub.0.8Co.sub.0.1Mn.sub.0.1(OH).sub.2 as the precursor, LiOH H.sub.2O and ZrB.sub.2 were subjected to a mechanical ball milling in the molar ratio of 1:1.05:0.001, 1:1.05:0.002 and 1:1.05:0.003, respectively, and at the rotation speed of 300 rpm for 4 h, obtaining mixtures. The mixtures were placed in an atmosphere furnace, and in an oxygen atmosphere, the mixtures were heated to 650° C. at the heating rate of 1.5° C./min and sintered for 3.5 h, and then heated to 800° C. at the heating rate of 0.75° C./min and sintered for 10 h. The sintered mixtures were cooled to ambient temperature, ground and screened through a 300-mesh sieve, obtaining modified Ni-rich cathode materials, which were labeled as 1ZB-NCM811, 2ZB-NCM811 and 3ZB-NCM811, respectively.

[0036] (2) The materials 1ZB-NCM811, 2ZB-NCM811 and 3ZB-NCM811 obtained in Example 1 were tested and analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), obtaining their XRD images, which are shown in FIG. 1.

[0037] (3) The material 2ZB-NCM811 obtained in Example 1 was tested and analyzed by transmission electron microscope (TEM), obtaining a TEM image, which is shown in FIG. 2.

[0038] (4) The materials 1ZB-NCM811, 2ZB-NCM811 and 3ZB-NCM811 obtained in Example 1 were assembled into 2016-type button batteries to conduct charge-discharge tests in the voltage range of 3.0-4.3 V.

[0039] (5) The tests were carried out at 25° C. and 50° C., respectively. The materials are firstly activated for one cycle at the rates of 0.2 C and 0.5 C, and then for 100 cycles at the rate of 1.0 C. The results are shown in panels (a) and (b) of FIG. 3, Tables 1 and 2.

[0040] (6) The materials 1ZB-NCM811, 2ZB-NCM811 and 3ZB-NCM811 obtained in Example 1 were assembled into 2016-type button batteries to conduct high-voltage electrochemical tests at 25° C. in the voltage range of 3.0-4.4 V. The results are shown in panel (c) of FIG. 3.

[0041] (7) The material 2ZB-NCM811 obtained in Example 1 was cross-sectioned by focused ion beam (FIB), and the element content thereof was analyzed, obtaining a cross-section view, which is shown in FIG. 4.

[0042] (8) The morphology and element distribution of the material 2ZB-NCM811 obtained in Example 1 were analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), FIB-SEM and an element mapping, obtaining SEM images, which are shown in FIGS. 5C to 5I.

Example 2

[0043] (1) Ni-rich cathode material Ni.sub.0.8Co.sub.0.1Mn.sub.0.1(OH).sub.2 as the precursor, LiOH H.sub.2O and TiB.sub.2 were subjected to a mechanical ball milling in the molar ratio of 1:1.05:0.002 at the rotation speed of 300 rpm for 4 h, obtaining a mixture. The mixture was placed in an atmosphere furnace, and in an oxygen atmosphere, the mixture was heated to 650° C. at the heating rate of 1.5° C./min and sintered for 3.5 h, and then heated to 800° C. at the heating rate of 0.75° C./min and sintered for 10 h. The sintered mixture was cooled to ambient temperature, ground and screened through a 300-mesh sieve, obtaining a modified Ni-rich cathode material, which is labeled as 2 TB-NCM811.

[0044] (2) The material 2 TB-NCM811 obtained in Example 2 was tested and analyzed by TEM, obtaining a TEM image, which is shown in panel (a) of FIG. 6.

[0045] (3) The material 2 TB-NCM811 obtained in Example 2 was assembled into a 2016-type button battery to conduct a charge-discharge test in the voltage range of 3.0-4.3 V.

[0046] (4) The test was conducted at 25° C. The material was firstly activated for one cycle at the rates of 0.2 C and 0.5 C, and then for 100 cycles at the rate of 1.0 C. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0047] (5) The test was conducted at 50° C. The material was firstly activated for one cycle at the rates of 0.2 C and 0.5 C, and then for 100 cycles at the rate of 1.0 C. The electrochemical performance is shown in Table 2.

Comparative Example 1

[0048] (1) Ni-rich cathode material Ni.sub.0.8Co.sub.0.1Mn.sub.0.1(OH).sub.2 as the precursor, and LiOH H.sub.2O were subjected to a mechanical ball milling in the molar ratio of 1:1.05 at the rotation speed of 300 rpm for 4 h, obtaining a mixture. The mixture was placed in an atmosphere furnace, and in an oxygen atmosphere, the mixture was heated to 650° C. at the heating rate of 1.5° C./min and sintered for 3.5 h, and then heated to 800° C. at the heating rate of 0.75° C./min and sintered 10 h. The sintered mixture was cooled to ambient temperature, ground and screened through a 300-mesh sieve, obtaining an unmodified Ni-rich cathode material, which was labeled as NCM811.

[0049] (2) The material NCM811 obtained in Comparative Example 1 was tested and analyzed by XRD, obtaining an XRD image, which is shown in FIG. 1.

[0050] (3) The material NCM811 obtained in Comparative Example 1 was tested and analyzed by TEM, obtaining a TEM image, which is shown in FIG. 2.

[0051] (4) The material NCM811 obtained in Comparative Example 1 was assembled into a 2016-type button battery to conduct charge-discharge tests in the voltage range of 3.0-4.3 V.

[0052] (5) The tests were carried out at 25° C. and 50° C. respectively. The material was firstly activated for one cycle at the rates of 0.2 C and 0.5 C, and then for 100 cycles at the rate of 1.0 C. The results are shown in panels (a) and (b) of FIG. 3, and Tables 1 and 2.

[0053] (6) The material NCM811 obtained in Comparative Example 1 was assembled into a 2016-type button battery to conduct a high-voltage electrochemical test at 25° C. in the voltage range of 3.0-4.4 V. The results are shown in panel (c) of FIG. 3.

[0054] (7) The morphology of the material NCM811 obtained in Comparative Example 1 was analyzed by a SEM, obtaining an SEM image, which is shown in FIG. 5B.

Comparative Example 2

[0055] (1) Ni-rich cathode material Ni.sub.0.8Co.sub.0.1Mn.sub.0.1(OH).sub.2 as the precursor, LiOH H.sub.2O, ZrO.sub.2, and B.sub.2O.sub.3 were subjected to a mechanical ball milling in the molar ratio of 1:1.05:0.002:0.002 at the rotation speed of 300 rpm for 4 h, obtaining a mixture. The mixture was placed in an atmosphere furnace and in an oxygen atmosphere, the mixture was heated to 650° C. at the heating rate of 1.5° C./min and sintered for 3.5 h, and then heated to 800° C. at the heating rate of 0.75° C./min and sintered for 10 h. The sintered mixture was cooled to ambient temperature, ground and screened through a 300-mesh sieve, obtaining a modified Ni-rich cathode material, which was labeled 2Z-B-NCM811.

[0056] (2) The material 2Z-B-NCM811 obtained in Comparative Example 2 was tested and analyzed by TEM, obtaining a TEM image, which is shown in panel (b) of FIG. 6.

[0057] (3) The material 2Z-B-NCM811 obtained in Comparative Example 2 was assembled into a 2016-type button battery to conduct a charge-discharge test in the voltage range of 3.0-4.3 V at 25° C. The material was firstly activated for one cycle at the rates of 0.2 C and 0.5 C, and then for 100 cycles at the rate of 1.0 C. The initial charge and discharge capacity and efficiency are shown in Table 1. An electrochemical cycle was conducted at the rate of 1.0 C, and the discharge specific capacity at the 100.sup.th cycle is shown in Table 1.

[0058] (4) The material 2Z-B-NCM811 obtained in Comparative Example 2 was assembled into a 2016-type button battery to conduct a charge-discharge test in the voltage range of 3.0-4.3 V at 50° C. The results are shown in panel (d) of FIG. 3 and Table 2.

Comparative Example 3

[0059] (1) Ni-rich cathode material Ni.sub.0.8Co.sub.0.1Mn.sub.0.1(OH).sub.2 as the precursor, LiOH H.sub.2O, and ZrB.sub.2 were subjected to a mechanical ball milling in the molar ratio of 1:1.05:0.002 at the rotation speed of 300 rpm for 4 h, obtaining a mixture. The mixture was placed in an atmosphere furnace, and in an oxygen atmosphere, the mixture was heated to 650° C. at the heating rate of 1.5° C./min and sintered for 3.5 h, and then heated to 800° C. at the heating rate of 0.75° C./min and sintered for 10 h. The obtained material was cooled to ambient temperature, ground and screened through a 300-mesh sieve, obtaining a modified Ni-rich cathode material, which was labeled as 2ZB-NCM811-1.

[0060] (2) The material 2ZB-NCM811-1 obtained in Comparative Example 3 was tested and analyzed by TEM, obtaining a TEM image, which is shown in panel (c) of FIG. 6.

[0061] (3) The material 2ZB-NCM811-1 obtained in Comparative Example 3 was assembled into a 2016-type button battery to conduct a charge-discharge test in the voltage range of 3.0-4.3 V at 25° C. The material was firstly activated for one cycle at the rates of 0.2 C and 0.5 C, and then for 100 cycles at the rate of 1.0 C. The initial charge and discharge capacity and efficiency are shown in Table 1. An electrochemical cycle is conducted at the rate of 1.0 C, and the discharge specific capacity at the 100.sup.th cycle is shown in Table 1.

[0062] (4) The material 2ZB-NCM811-1 obtained in Comparative Example 3 was assembled into a 2016-type button battery to conduct a charge-discharge test in the voltage range of 3.0-4.3 Vat 50° C. The results are shown in panel (d) of FIG. 3 and Table 2.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Comparison of the electrical performance of materials obtained in Examples and Comparative Examples (tested at 25° C.). Initial Initial Initial Discharge specific discharge charge coulombic capacity after capacity capacity efficiency 100 cycles Name Material No. (mAh/g) (mAh/g) (%) (mAh/g) Example 1 1ZB-NCM811 190.9 224.3 85.1 161 2ZB-NCM811 193.3 222.7 86.8 173.9 3ZB-NCM811 193 223.6 86.3 168.9 Example 2 2TB-NCM811 192.1 220.1 87.2 170.4 Comparative NCM811 191.1 222.7 85.8 145.3 Example 1 Comparative 2Z-B-NCM811 190.8 221.6 86.1 160.2 Example 2 Comparative 2ZB- 191.7 222.4 86.2 164.2 Example 3 NCM811-1

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Comparison of the electrical performance of materials obtained in Examples and Comparative Examples (tested at 50° C). Discharge Discharge Initial Initial Initial specific specific discharge charge coulombic capacity capacity Material capacity capacity efficiency after 90 cycles after 100 cycles Name No. (mAh/g) (mAh/g) (%) (mAh/g) (mAh/g) Example 1 1ZB- 206.3 222.9 92.5 177.1 166.8 NCM811 2ZB- 206.3 222.5 92.7 188.6 183.5 NCM811 3ZB- 207.1 223.6 92.6 153.7 142.5 NCM811 Example 2 2TB- 205.8 222.5 92.5 178.7 162.1 NCM811 Comparative NCM811 208.7 226.6 92.1 126.1 115 Example 1 Comparative 2Z-B- 190.9 214.7 88.9 169 — Example 2 NCM811 Comparative 2ZB- 200.6 218.5 91.8 171 — Example 3 NCM811-1

[0063] It can be seen from the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 4 of the modified material 2ZB-NCM811 obtained in Example 1 of the present disclosure that Zr and B in the material are uniformly doped into the material lattice. Moreover, combined with the TEM image in FIG. 2, it can be seen that a part of Zr remaining on the surface of the material reacts with the residual lithium to form a surface coating layer of lithium zirconium oxide. The modified materials obtained by other methods or modifiers (as shown in panels (b) and (c) of FIG. 6) have complete lattice on the surface without coating layers, indicating that the modifiers are uniformly doped into the material lattice without forming coating layers.

[0064] From Tables 1-2 and FIGS. 1-6, it can be seen that the modified Ni-rich ternary cathode material obtained by the method of the present disclosure has diatomic lattice doping and surface coating by using ZrB.sub.2 and TiB.sub.2 as the modifiers with a specific heating process. The structure stability of the modified Ni-rich ternary cathode material is greatly improved due to the diatomic lattice doping. Moreover, the formed surface coating layer is beneficial to protect the interface of the material, inhibit the dissolution of the transition metal on the surface of the material, and reduce the catalytic decomposition of the electrolyte. Therefore, the modified Ni-rich ternary cathode material obtained by the method has improved structure and interface stability. And the best modified material has a capacity retention rate of 89.9% after undergoing 100 cycles at the rate of 1.0 C under ambient temperature, while the unmodified material only has a capacity retention rate of 76.1%. In addition, after undergoing 100 cycles at the rate of 1.0 C under high temperature, the modified material has a specific capacity as high as 183.1 mAh/g, and a capacity retention rate of 88.1%, which is much higher than that (55.1%) of the unmodified material. Moreover, the modified material also exhibits excellent high voltage performance. After undergoing 90 cycles at 4.4 V under ambient temperature, the modified material still has a capacity retention rate as high as 84.7%, which is higher than that (56.4%) of the unmodified material.

[0065] The above examples are preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, not limiting the implementation of the present disclosure. Any other changes, modifications, substitutions, combinations, and simplifications made without deviating from the spirit and principle of the present disclosure shall be considered as equivalent replacements, which shall fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.