CA2527207C - Lithium metal oxide electrodes for lithium cells and batteries - Google Patents

Abstract

A lithium metal oxide positive electrode for a non-aqueous lithium cell or battery is disclosed. The positive electrode comprises a lithium metal oxide having a layered structure and a general formula, after in-situ or ex-situ oxidation, of Li x Mn y M1-yO2 wherein 0<= x <= 0.20, 0 < y < 1, manganese is in the 4+ oxidation state, and M is one or more the first row transition metals:
Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni or Cu, or other specific other cations: Al, Mg, Mo, W, Ta, Si, Sn, Zr, Be, Ca, Ga, and P, which have an appropriate ionic radii to be inserted in to the structure without unduly disrupting it. Usage of the materials of the invention in lithium cells and batteries is disclosed. A process is disclosed for formation of materials of the invention.

Description

LITHIUM METAL OXIDE ELECTRODES FOR LITHIUM CELLS AND
BATTERIES

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to lithium metal oxide positive electrodes for non-aqueous lithium cells and batteries. More specifically, it relates to lithium-metal-oxide electrode compositions and structures having a general formula, after in-situ or ex-situ oxidation, of Li,MnyM1_yO2 where x .-S 0.20, o < y <
1, and M is one or more transition metal or other metal cations having appropriate ionic radii to be inserted in to the structure without unduly disrupting it.
Cations that have been found as possible fits into similar structures include:
all of the first row transition metals, Al, Mg, Mo, W, Ta, Si, Sn, Zr, Be, Ca, Ga, and P. The preferred cations include the transition metals of the first row, such as Ti, V, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni and Cu, and other metals such as Al, Mg, Mo, W, Ta, Ga and Zr. The most preferred cations are Co, Ni, Ti, Al, Cu, Fe and Mg.

The theoretical capacity of the layered lithium metal oxides typically used as cathodes in lithium ion batteries is much higher than the capacities achieved in practice. For lithium ion battery cathodes, the theoretic capacity is the capacity that would be realised if all of the lithium could be reversibly cycled in and out of the structure. For example, LiCoO2 has a theoretical capacity of 274 mAh/g but the capacity typically achieved in an electrochemical cell is only about 160 mAh/g, equivalent to 58% of theoretical. Somewhat better capacities of up to about 180 mAh/g have been observed by the partial substitution of Co3` with other trivalent cations such as nickel [Delmas, Saadoune and Rougier, J. Power Sources, Vol. 43-44, pp. 595-602, 1993].
Materials in the more complex Co, Ni, Mn systems, and in particular the composition LiCo113Ni113Mn1,3O2, have been studied extentively by Ohzuku.
He has reported capacities of approximately 200 mAh/g with good thermal stablility.

Other related references on R-3m structures of LiMO2 in which M is a combination of Co, Ni and Mn include:
Yabuuchi and Ohzuku, Journal of Power Sources, Volumes 119-121, 1 June 2003, Pages 171-174.
Wang et at, Journal of Power Sources, Volumes 119-121, 1 June 2003, Pages 189-194.
and Lu et al, Electrochemical and Solid State Letters, v4 (2001), A200-203.

Numerous other layered structures based on solid solutions of Li2MO3 and LiM'02 in which M is Mn4+ or Ti4+ and M' is a first row transition metal cation or combination of transition metal cations with an average oxidation state of 3+
have been proposed for application as positive electrode materials for lithium ion batteries [US Patent 6,677,082 B2 of Thackeray et al]. The capacities reported for these materials vary widely with composition but have generally been between about 110 mAh/g and 170 mAh/g.

However layered structures formed from solid solutions of Li2MnO3 and either NiO or LiMno.5Nio.5O2 containing manganese as Mn4+ and Ni in the 2+
oxidation state have shown exceptionally large capacities. In particular capacities up to 200 mAh/g at room temperature and 240 mAh/g at 55 C, were observed for some compositions of solid solutions of Li2MnO3 and LiNio.5Mno.5O2 on cycling between 2.5 and 4.6 volts [ref. Shin, Sun and Amine, Journal of Power Sources, v112 (2002) 634-638]. Similarity, Lu and Dahn [ref.
J. Electrochem. Soc. v149 (2002), A815-822] demonstrated that reversible capacities near 230 mAh/g could be achieved from certain compositions of solid solutions of Li2MnO3 and NiO when the cells were charged to 4.8 volts.
The capacities observed on cycling these same materials between 3.0 and 4.4 volts were much lower, varying with composition from about 85 to 160 mAh/g. An in-situ transformation was found to occur on charging solid solution phases of Li2MnO3 and either NiO or LiNi0.5Mn0.502 to voltages greater than 4.4 volts. The resulting materials were found to have a much higher reversible capacity.
In all previous reports of exceptionally high capacities achieved after charging to voltages greater than 4.4 volts, the materials reported were solid solutions having layered structures containing Mn in the 4+ oxidation state and Ni in the 2+ oxidation state. More typically charging to such high voltages is extremely detrimental to the electrochemical performance of the cathode material.

This invention discloses new compositions of lithium metal oxides formed in-situ in an electrochemical cell by charging to voltages greater than 4.4 volts or ex-situ by chemical oxidation that demonstrate exceptionally high capacities for reversible lithium insertion.

In particular, in this invention it is disclosed that compositions containing no Ni2+ at all, such as solid solutions of Li2MnO3 and LiCoO2 can exhibit unusually large capacities after being severely oxidized by charging to high voltages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention discloses new compositions of lithium metal oxides formed in-situ in an electrochemical cell by charging to voltages equal to or greater than 4.4 volts, or ex-situ by chemical oxidation that demonstrate exceptionally high capacities for reversible lithium insertion.

In particular, in this invention it is disclosed that compositions containing no Ni2+ at all, such as solid solutions of Li2MnO3 and LiCoO2 can exhibit unusually large capacities after being severely oxidized by charging to high voltages.

According to one aspect of the invention, we provide novel lithium metal oxide materials of general formula LiXMnyM1_yO2 , where 0:5 x:5 0.20 and 0 < y < 1, Mn is Mn+4 and M is one or more transition metal or other cations having appropriate sized ionic radii to be inserted into the structure without unduly disrupting it.

According to another aspect of the invention, the novel materials of the invention are layered crystallographic structures useful as positive electrodes in a non-aqueous lithium cell, such as a lithium ion cell or battery.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a process for making the novel lithium metal oxide materials of general formula LixMnyM1_Y02, where 0 <_ x:5 0.20 and 0 < y < 1 and M is one or more transition metal or other cations having appropriate ionic radii to be inserted in to the structure without unduly disrupting it, is provided, comprising preparation of high lithium content precursors using a modification of the well known "sucrose method" from that originally reported in the literature [Das, Materials Letters, v47 (2001), 344-350], and then modifying the composition and structure further by in-situ or ex-situ oxidation. The modifications include an in-situ transformation, which occurs on charging solid solution phases of Li2MnO3 and either LiNi0.5Mno.502 or NiO to voltages greater that 4.4 volts, preferably in a range of 4.4 to 5 volts. The resulting materials were found to have a much higher reversible capacity.

We have discovered that the anomalous capacities previously reported in the Mn-Ni systems are a more general process than previously thought. There are a number of metal ions, that can be substituted into such materials in place of, or in addition to, the Ni cations. These choices are based on "ionic radii", i.e.
whether they can fit into the structure without unduly disrupting it. Cations that have been found as possible fits into similar structures include: all of the first row transition metals, Al, Mg, Mo, W, Ta, Si, Sn, Zr, Be, Ca, Ga, and P. The preferred cations are the transition metals of the first row, such as Ti, V, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni and Cu, and other metals such as Al, Mg, Mo, W, Ta, Ga and Zr. Such compositions can exhibit unusually high capacity, in excess of the conventional theoretical capacities that are calculated on the basis of conventional views on the accessible range of oxidations states. For example, it is conventionally assumed that neither Mn4+ nor 02. will be oxidized under the conditions of the application. The capacities obtained from these materials is beyond that calculated using such assumptions. It is also possible to substitute other cations including electrochemically inert AI3+ and still obtain high capacities and stable cycling (example 5). Furthermore, the Al-doping had the effect of increasing the average discharge voltage of the material. The mechanism for the production of these anomalous capacities seems to lie with the Li2MnO3, or possibly the Mn4+, content, and the unusual stability of these materials from undesirable reactions with the electrolyte at high voltages.

Some compositions in the Li2MnO3-LiCoO2 solid solution series have been reported previously. However in prior studies, these materials were not charged beyond 4.4V, and the authors reported the expected reduction in capacity on the addition of Mn4+. [Numata and Yamanaka, Solid State Ionics, vol. 118 (1999) pp. 117-120; Numata, Sakati and Yamanaka, Solid State Ionics, vol 117 (1999) pp 257-263]

Zhang et al [Journal of Power Sources, v117 (2003), 137-142] have described the behaviour of materials where Mn is replaced by Ti. The addition of 'inert' Li2TiO3 was found to have a detrimental effect on the discharge capacities.

A broad range of chemical modifications of Li2MnO3 by addition of LiMO2 have been shown to have exceptionally large discharge capacities. Most of these compositions have never been reported previously and represent a series of novel materials.

Some of the novel materials tested produced capacities that cannot be explained conventionally. Results also indicate an unusual ability to tune the discharge voltage through relatively small variations in the composition.

Some of the more complex novel materials have 5 different species sharing a single crystallographic site. Many standard synthetic techniques would not provide sufficient homogeneity to achieve a single-phase material. The synthetic techniques used to date to achieve this level of homogeneity are a modified "sucrose-method" based dispersion/combustion technique and high-energy ball-milling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1. Ternary phase diagram for the Li2MnO3-LiCoO2-LiNiO2 System.
The diamonds represent single phase materials synthesised and characterised.
Figure 2. X-ray diffraction patterns for materials in the Li2MnO3-LiNi0.75Co0.25O2 solid solution series.

Figure 3. X-ray diffraction patterns for materials in the Li1.2Mn0.4Ni0.4_xCoXO2 (0 s x 5 0.4) series.

Figure 4. First three room temperature charge-discharge cycles of materials in the Li1.2Mn0.4Ni0.4_xCoxO2 series calcined at 300 C. Cycling was carried out between 2.0-4.6V at 1 OmA/g.

Figure 5. Discharge capacities for materials in the series Li1.2Mn0.4NiO.4-ICo,,02 calcined at 740 C as calculated from the mass of the lithium metal oxide before charging and as a value normalized to the transition metal content.
Figure 6. Discharge capacities for materials in the series Li1.2Mn0.4Ni0.4-XCoxO2 calcined at 800 C as calculated from the mass of the lithium metal oxide before charging and as a value normalized to the transition metal content.
Figure 7. Discharge capacities for materials in the series Li1.2Mn0.4Ni0.4-XCox02 calcined 900 C as calculated from the mass of the lithium metal oxide before charging and as a value normalized to the transition metal content. A
rate excursion to 30mA/g was carried out on Li1.2Mn044Co0.402 for the 3 cycles as indicated.

Figure 8. Capacities and average discharge voltage of Li1.2Mn0.4Ni0.3Co0.1O2 calcined at 800 C when cycled at 55 C as calculated from the mass of the lithium metal oxide before charging and as a value normalized to the transition metal content.

Figure 9. X-ray diffraction patterns for materials in the Li2MnO3-LiNi0.5Co0.502 solid solution series calcined at 800 C.

Figure 10. Discharge capacities for materials in the Li2MnO3-LiNi0.5Co0.5O2 solid solution series calcined at 800 C.

Figure 11. X-ray diffraction patterns of a number of substituted analogues calcined at 800 C.

Figure 12. Charge-discharge voltage curve for different materials calcined at 800 C during the 30th cycle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to lithium metal oxide positive electrodes for a non-aqueous lithium cell having a layered structure and a general formula, after in-situ or ex-situ oxidation, of LiXMnyM1_yO2 where x <_ 0.20, manganese is in the 4+ oxidation state, and M is one or more transition metal or other metal cations having appropriate ionic radii to be inserted in to the structure without unduly disrupting it. Cations that have been found as possible fits into similar structures include: all the first row transition metals, Al, Mg, Mo, W, Ta, Si, Sn, Zr, Be, Ca, Ga, and P. The preferred cations are the transition metals of the first row, such as Ti, V, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni and Cu, and other metals such as Al, Mo, W, Ta, Ga and Zr. The most preferred cations are Co, Ni, Ti, Fe, Cu and Al.

The similarities in electrochemical properties between wide ranges of compositions described in the examples would suggest a common mechanism. The capacities observed in these materials are anomalously large in relation to their composition and the conventional views of accessible oxidation states. This is especially so for compositions that are solid solutions between Li2MnO3 and LiCoO2 in which Ni2+ is not present at all and the cobalt is in the trivalent state.

For compositions in the series Li1.2Mn0.4Ni0.4_XCoXO4, the theoretical capacities should be:
Mn4++M3+ -> Mn4++M4+ -125mAh/g In the case of Li1.2Mn0.4Co0.402 "calcined at 900 C taper-charged at low current to 4.6V, the first charge capacity was found to be 345mAh/g, leaving a discrepancy of 220mAh/g. Assuming that the oxidised species is oxide rather than other cell components, this would lead to:

Li1.2Mno4C004 2 izs Li0.sMno4Coo402 220mAh/g Lio.ioMno4C004 1.65 + 0.35'0' Li0.1Mno.4Co0.401.675 can be equivalently described as Lio.125Mn0.5Co0.502, which would yield a theoretical discharge capacity of approximately 240mAh/g when correcting for the mass of the original active material. This mechanism would account for the different voltage profiles that the materials exhibit from cycle 2 onwards. An interesting observation is that the voltage curve of Li1.2Mn0.4Co0.402 after 2 full cycles is remarkably similar to that observed for LiCo0.5Mn0.502 [Kajiyama et al, Solid State Ionics, v149 (2002) 39-45], the small low voltage feature early in the charge curve being common to both materials. In addition, the voltage curve of Li1_2Mn0.4Ni0.402 once the formation step is finished is similar to that observed for LiNi0.5Mn0.502 [Makimura and Ohzuku, Journal of Power Sources, v119-121 (2003) 156-160].

After the formation step from charging to high voltages, the new in-situ produced cathode material can cycle with up to 95-98 % reversibility over an extended period of time. This is significantly better behaviour than Li,Mno.5Coo.502 prepared by chemical means, and is reminiscent of LiMn2O4 spinel produced in-situ by cycling o-LiMn02 [Gummow et al, Materials Research Bulletin, v28 (1993) 1249-1256]. The discharge capacity and capacity retention of the Al-doped material (given in table 1) are exceptionally good assuming in-situ formation of LiNio.5Co0.375Alo.12502, with a theoretical capacity of 204mAh/g The inclusion of Mn4+ has been reported to increase thermal stability, voltage stability, high temperature cycleability and discharge capacities.

Some of the more complex materials made have 5 different species sharing a single crystallographic site. Many standard synthetic techniques would not provide sufficient homogeneity to achieve a single-phase material. The synthetic techniques used to date to achieve this level of homogeneity are a chelation-based combined dispersion/combustion technique and high-energy ball-milling. The method has been modified from the sucrose-based synthesis originally reported in the literature [Das, Materials Letters, v47 (2001), 344-350], and is easily capable of producing complex oxide materials with crystallites of sizes < 100nm.
The following examples of lithium metal oxide positive electrodes for a non-aqueous lithium cell having a layered structure and a general formula, after in-situ or ex-situ oxidation, of LixMnyM1_Y02 where x:5 0.20, manganese is in the 4+ oxidation state, and M is one or more transition metal or other metal cations having appropriate ionic radii describe the principles of the invention as contemplated by the inventors, but they are not to be construed as limiting examples.

This example describes the typical synthesis route of materials in the (1-x)Li2MnO3: xLiNi1_yCoy02 (0 <_. X <_ 1; 0 <_ y <_. 1) solid solution series.
Mn(N03)2.4H20, Ni(N03)2.6H20, Co(N03)2.H20 and LiNO3 were dissolved fully in water in the required molar ratios. Sucrose was added in an amount corresponding to greater than 50% molar quantity with regard to the total molar cation content. The pH of the solution was adjusted to pH1 with concentrated nitric acid. The solution was heated to evaporate the water.
Once the water had mostly evaporated the resulting viscous liquid was further heated. At this stage the liquid foamed and began to char. Once charring was complete the solid carbonaceous matrix spontaneously combusted. The resulting ash was calcined in air at 800 C, 740 C or 900 C for 6 hours. Figure 1 shows the ternary phase diagram describing the (1-x) Li2MnO3: x LiNi1_ yCoyO2 solid solution series, with the materials synthesized being indicated by black diamonds.

The materials were analyzed with an X-ray powder diffractometer using CuKa radiation. The ash precursors were found to contain unreacted Li2CO3.
However, after calcination at 800 C in air for 6 hours, there was no longer any evidence of Li2CO3 in the diffraction patterns of the product materials.

Figures 2 and 3 show the X-ray diffraction patterns for materials in the (1-x)Li2MnO3:LiNio.75Coo.2502 (0 5 x 5 1) and Lii.2Mno.4Nio.4. CoXO2 (0 S x <
0.4).
These series correspond to the vertical and horizontal tie-lines shown in figure 1. There are no visible reflections due to Li2CO3 in any of the calcined materials, indicating that all of the materials were fully reacted. The materials in figure 2 show a change from Li2MnO3-like patterns to layered R-3m-like patterns. The materials in figure 3 all retain features of a Li2MnO3-like pattern.

Electrodes were fabricated from materials prepared as in example 1 by mixing approximately 78 wt% of the oxide material, 7 wt% graphite, 7 wt%
Super STm, and 8 wt% poly(vinylidene fluoride) as a slurry in 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidene (NMP). The slurry was then cast onto aluminum foil. After drying at 85 C, and pressing, circular electrodes were punched. The electrodes were assembled into electrochemical cells in an argon-filled glove box using 2325 coin cell hardware. Lithium foil was used as the anode, porous polypropylene as the separator, and 1M LiPF6 in 1:1 dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and ethylene carbonate (EC) electrolyte solution. A total of 70 .tl of electrolyte was used to saturate the separator. The cells were cycled at constant current of 10 mA/g of active material between 2.0 and 4.6V at room temperature. The capacities observed on the first and thirtieth cycles are given in table 1. Figure 4 shows the electrochemical behavior of the first 3 cycles of materials in the Li1.2Mn0.4Ni0.4_XCoXO2 (0 ,<_ x s 0.4) series prepared as in example 1 and calcined at 800 C. The voltage curves in figure 4 show that a formation step occurs during early cycling. For x = 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3, this formation is completed after the first cycle, after which the materials cycle with high capacity and reversibility. Consequently, the desired material is that formed during oxidation rather than the chemically synthesized composition.
For x = 0.4, this formation requires more than one cycle, with increased lithium extraction also on the second charge. The cell polarization of x =
0.0, indicates that the formation is extremely slow, and would require higher voltages, or smaller particle size.

Figure 5-7 show the discharge capacities of Li1.2Mn0.4Ni0.4_XCoXO2 materials calcined at 740, 800 and 900 C respectively. It can be seen that the trends in discharge capacity vary with both composition and calcination temperature.
The materials described here contain substantially less transition metals than conventional lithium-battery cathode materials. Given that the transition metals content contributes substantially to the cost of production, it is useful to compare the capacities in terms of the transition metal (TM) content normally found in current lithium battery cathode materials, i.e. LiMO2.
Consequently, additional plots are shown in figures 5-7, describing the discharge capacity per transition metal equivalent. In the case of the Li1.2Mn0.4Ni0.4_XCoXO2 series, the ratio of Li:TM is 1.2:0.8, as opposed to 1:1 in conventional lithium battery cathode materials, so there is a scaling factor of 1/0.8 = 1.25 in order to produce the capacity per TM equivalent. For another material in the (1-x)Li2MnO3: xLiNi1_yCoyO2 (0:5 X:5 1; 0:5 y:5 1) solid solution series, e.g. Li1,i58Mn0.316Ni0.263Co0.26302, the scaling factor would be 1/0.828 =
1.188.
An ultimate charged composition may be calculated using the total charge capacity taking into account any early cycling irreversibility, and results obtained from atomic absorption spectroscopy for the cation contents.
Atomic absorption ratios were calculated such that the total cation content equals 2 in a LiMO2 format. For materials in the series Li2MnO3: LiNi1_XCoXO2 (0:5 x:5 0.4) calcined at 800 C, the results of these calculations are shown in table 2.

The results show that the compositions with x = 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 produce charged materials with lithium contents < 0.2, and x = 0.4 very close to 0.2.
The material with x = 0.0 did not achieve the same extent of delithiation and exhibited lower capacities on cycling.

Many lithium battery cathode materials do not perform well at elevated temperatures, their discharge capacities on extended cycling fading rapidly.
The electrochemical behavior of the materials of the invention were evaluated at elevated temperature. Identical cells were used to those at room temperature. Figure 8 shows the discharge capacity of 800 C-calcined Li1.2Mn0.4Ni0.3Coo.1O2 at 55 C. The voltage limits after the first cycle were reduced to avoid electrolyte decomposition. The material exhibited very stable capacities with very high reversibility in cycle 2 onwards. The average discharge voltage also remained quite stable for 55 C cycling.

Electrochemical cells were fabricated as in example 2 from compositions in the series (1 -x) Li2MnO3 : x LiNi0.5Co0.2 that were prepared as in example 1 and calcined at 800 C. These cells were tested as in example 2 between voltage limits of 2.0 and 4.6 volts. The diffraction patterns for various compositions in the series (1-x) Li2MnO3: x LiNi0.5Co0.502 are shown in figure 9 and the corresponding electrochemical performance is, illustrated in figure 10. An additional plot corresponding to the discharge capacities normalized per transition metal is also shown in figure 10. The theoretical capacities based on conventional views of accessible oxidation states and structure as well as the accumulated charge and ultimate lithium content in the fully charged state are listed in table 3.

Compositions with additional substitutents have also been investigated.
Figure 11 shows that materials with Ti, Cu and Al substitution could also be produced single-phase. These materials were produced using the same chelation-based process, but with the addition of the required molar quantity of precursor. The precursors used were (NH4)2TiO(C2H4)2.H20, Cu(N03)2.3H20 and AI(NO3)3.9H20. The discharge capacities obtained for the Al, Cu and Ti-substituted materials after the first and thirtieth cycles are tabulated in table 1. It can be seen that Cu and Ti-doping impacted the discharge capacities obtained, but these materials cycled with very stable capacity. Given the very high amount of Al doped into Li1.2Mn0.4NiO.2Co0_1AI0.102, the discharge capacities obtained are quite high.
Such a high level of Al in a conventional lithium battery cathode material would be expected to impact severely on the discharge capacities obtained.
Figure 12 shows the charge-discharge voltage curves for the same materials on the 30th cycle. It can be seen that the Ti-doping has a particular effect on the discharge curve, with a distinct kink at approximately 3.3V. The Al-doping has the effect of increasing the average discharge voltage of the material.
Given the very high amount of Al doped into Li1.2Mn0.4Ni0.2Co0.1AI0.102, the discharge capacities obtained are quite high, with a discharge capacity of 186 mAh/g after 30 cycles.

The theoretical capacities, for the Al and Ti substituted materials, based on conventional views of accessible oxidation states and structure as well as the accumulated charge and ultimate lithium content in the fully charged state are listed in table 3.

The use of nitrates is not necessary for the production of single phase Li1.2Mn0.4Ni0.3Co0.102. The X-ray diffraction verified that that single-phase materials can be produced using all acetate salts or a combination of lithium formate and metal acetate salts as precursors. All of the other processing conditions were identical to examples 1 and 2. The discharge capacities obtained using nitrates and lithium formate with acetates as the precursors are given in table 1. It can be seen that the performance is actually improved using the lithium formate with acetates. After 30 cycles the discharge capacity is approximately 20mAh/g higher than using nitrate precursors.

This example shows that materials with similar performance may be produced by methods other than a solution-based chelation mechanism. Li2MnO3 and LiCoO2 were mixed in a 1:1 molar ratio, and milled in a high-energy ball-mill for a total of 9 hours. The resulting powder was calcined in air at 740 C in air for 6 hours. X-ray diffraction of the materials both before and after calcination showed no indication of the presence of Li2MnO3. The material after calcination was single-phase and more crystalline than the milled precursor.
The discharge capacities, listed in table 1, obtained with the ball-mill produced material under the same cycling conditions as example 2 were substantially similar to those obtained with material produced using the solution-based chelation process.

Table 1. Discharge capacities at the first and thirtieth cycles for various compositions of x Li2MnO3:(1-x) LiMO2. The capacities are calculated first as mAh/g based as on the weight of the lithium metal oxide as prepared, before in-situ oxidation, and then normalized to a per transition metal capacity.
Composition 1st 1st 30th 30th discharge discharge discharge discharge capacity capacity capacity capacity (mAh/g) per TM (mAh/g) per TM
(mAh/g) mAh/

Li1.2Mn0.4Ni0.402 134 168 184 230 Li1.2Mn0.4Ni0.3Co0.102 175 219 192 240 Li1.2Mn0.4Ni0.2Co0.202 232 290 192 240 Li1.2Mn0.4Ni0.1 Co0.302 180 225 177 222 Li1.2Mn0.4Co0.402 189 236 164 205 Li1.2Mno.4Ni0.402 143 179 159 199 Li1.2Mn0.4Ni0.3Co0.102 183 229 202 253 Li1.2Mno.4Nio.2Co0.202 199 249 200 250 Li1.2Mn0.4Nio.1Co0.302 207 259 186 233 Li1.2Mn0.4Co0.402 193 241 172 215 Li1.2Mn044Ni0.4O2 154 193 152 190 Li 1.2 M n0.4N i0.3Coo.102 148 185 147 184 Li1.2Mn0.4Ni0.2Co0.202 152 190 174 218 Li1.2Mn0.4Ni0.1Coo.302 192 240 203 254 Li1.2Mn0.4Co0.402 206 258 203 254 Li1.2Mn0.4Ni033Co0_102 550C 225 281 195 244 Li1.158Mn0.316Ni0.263Coo.26302 186 221 173 205 Li1.135Mn0.270Ni0.297Co0.29802 175 202 159 184 Li1.059Mn0.118N i0.414Co0.41402 197 209 147 156 LiNi0.5Co0.502 162 162 143 143 Li1.2Mn0.2Ti022Ni0.2Co0.202 156 195 175 219 Li1.2Mn0.4Ni0.2Co0.1Al0.1O2 179 224 186 233 Li1.16Mn0.4Ni0.2Co0.16Cu0.04O 150 188 150 188 nitrates 208 260 186 233 Li formate + acetates 189 236 215 269 Li1.2Mn0.4Co0.402milled 196 245 167 209 Li1.2Mn0.4Co0.402sucrose 188 235 164 205 Table 2. Tabulation of lithium contents for materials in the series Li2MnO3:
LiNi1_xCoxO2 (0:5 x:5 0.4) calcined at 800 C, as made and after in-situ formation in an electrochemical cell.

x Li content Accumulated Ultimate charged Li (AA) charge content (mAh/g) 0.0 1.162 263 0.32 0.1 1.146 298 0.20 0.2 1.174 308 0.20 0.3 1.158 334 0.09 0.4 1.172 301 0.20 Table 3. Tabulation of theoretical capacities, accumulated charge and lithium contents after in-situ formation in an electrochemical cell for various compositions in the series x Li2MnO3: (1 -x) LiMO2 calcined at 800 C.

Nominal composition Conventional Actual Ultimate theoretical accumulated charged charge charge Li capacity (mAh/g) content mAh/
Li1.2Mn0.2Ti0.2Ni0.2Co0.2O2 127 318 0.20 Li1.2Mno.4Ni0.2Co0.1Alo.102 97 298 0.28 Li 1.158 M n 0.316N i0.263C00.26302 160 301 0.17 Li 1.135M n0.270N i0.297Co0.29802 178 323 0.05 Li1.0591VIn0.118Ni0.41400.41402 235 273 0.10

Claims (13)

1. A lithium-metal-oxide material having a layered crystallographic structure which retains the features of a Li2MnO3-like diffraction pattern and the general formula Li1.2Mn0.4Ni0.4-x Co x02, wherein x is 0.1 to 0.3 and manganese is in the 4+ oxidation state.

2. A material according to claim 1, wherein x is 0.1.

3. A material according to claim 1, wherein x is 0.2.

4. A material according to claim 1, wherein x is 0.3.

5. A lithium-metal-oxide material having a layered crystallographic structure which retains the features of a Li2MnO3-like diffraction pattern and the general formula Li1.2Mn0.4Ni0.4-xCo x02, wherein x is 0.1 to 0.3 and manganese is in the 4+ oxidation state, exhibiting reversible capacities in the range of 175-232 in mAh/g, after charging in-situ in an electrochemical cell at least once to voltages equal to or greater than 4.4 volts versus the potential of metallic lithium.

6. A material according to claim 5, wherein the voltage is in the range of 4.4 to 5 volts.

7. A material according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the charging is effected at a temperature of room temperature to 55°C.

8. A material according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the material is in the form of a positive electrode in a non-aqueous lithium cell or battery.

9. A material according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the material is in the form of a positive electrode in a lithium ion cell.

10. A lithium-metal-oxide material formed as single phase material of composition Li1.2Mn0.4Ni0.2Co0.1Al0.1O2 having a layered crystallographic structure and manganese in the 4+
oxidation state.

11. A material according to claim 10, wherein the material is in the form of a positive electrode in a non-aqueous lithium cell or battery.

12. A material according to claim 10, wherein the material is in the form of a positive electrode in a lithium ion cell.

13. A material according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein both metals Co and Ni are in the 3+ oxidation state.