Ni0.6Co0.2Mn0.2(OH)2 with dispersed hexagonal slabs enables synthesis of single crystal LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 with enhanced electrochemical performance for lithium-ion batteries

Ni 0.6 Co 0.2 Mn 0.2 (OH) 2 with unique morphology of dispersed hexagonal slab particles is synthesized via the hydrothermal method, which reacts with lithium hydroxide to form single-crystalline LiNi 0.6 Co 0.2 Mn 0.2 O 2 (SC-NCM) after a simple sintering process. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy testify the micrometer-sized SC-NCM particles display well-ordered layered structure with excellent crystallinity. Electrochemical characterization demonstrates that the LiNi 0.6 Co 0.2 Mn 0.2 O 2 sample performs excellent capacity retentions of 93.2% (2.8–4.3 V) and 89.6% (2.8–4.5 V) after 100 cycles at a current rate of 1 C. In particular, LiNi 0.6 Co 0.2 Mn 0.2 O 2 displays extraordinary rate property (174.5 mAh g −1 at 0.1 C and 130.7 mAh g −1 at 5 C). Therefore, it may provide a new method for the preparation of single-crystalline LiNi x Co y Mn z O 2 materials with superior electrochemical performance. • Ni 0.6 Co 0.2 Mn 0.2 (OH) 2 with unique morphology of dispersed hexagonal slab particles is synthesized. • Single-crystalline LiNi 0.6 Co 0.2 Mn 0.2 O 2 is formed after a simple sintering process. • Rate performance is appreciably enhanced.