Synthesis of LiCoO2 particles with uniform size distribution using hydrothermally precipitated Co3O4 fine particles

LiCoO2 cathode materials with uniform grain size were prepared using fine g rained Co3O4 particles. The effects of the molar ratio of Li/Co and the sin tering temperature on the microstructure and the electric properties were s tudied. The grain size of LiCoO2 increases with an increase in the Li/Co mo lar ratio and with the sintering temperature. The grain size distribution a lso depended on both the Li/Co molar ratio and the sintering temperature. T he electrical conductivity took a maximum at a certain value of the Li/Co m olar ratio, and this variation was related to the presence of the secondary phase at the grain boundary. In addition, the effect of the preparation co nditions on the reversible Li-intercalation/deintercalation reaction was al so briefly examined. The maximum value in the reversible capacity, 130 mAh/ g, was obtained, using the optimum preparation condition (Li/Co molar ratio of 1.03 and sintering temperature of 850 degrees C). (C) 1999 Elsevier Sci ence B.V. All rights reserved.