HIGH-PERFORMANCE LICOO2 POSITIVE ELECTRODE MATERIAL

LiMO(2) (M=Co, Ni) and LiMn2O4 compounds synthesized at low temperatur e (LT) show very different electrochemical properties compared with th eir high-temperature (HT) analogues: These powders are in general char acterized by a higher surface area and smaller grain size. When used a s cathode materials in lithium secondary batteries, such LT compounds should show an enhanced electrochemical behaviour under heavy drain. W e have developed a new synthesis method of LiMO(2) and LiMn2O4 charact erized by monodispersive grain size powders, high surface area, good c rystallinity, and a chemical composition close to the stoichiometry. W e have carried out a comparison of the electrochemical properties of L iCoO2 powders obtained by the classical method and this new synthesis route. In spite of a slightly lower discharge capacity, the new powder showed higher performances in terms of rate capacity.