Microstrain effect of single crystalline LiNi0.7Co0.1Mn0.2O2 cathode material on Ni0.7Co0.1Mn0.2(OH)2 precursor stacking

LiNixCoyMn1-x-yO2(NCM) has been regarded as promising cathode materials for high energy density lithium ion battery. Apart from the capacity deterioration during cycling process, NCM particle microcracks’ generation resulting from anisotropic strain in crystal lattice is also regarded as the crucial issue from mechanical scale. As the original materials of synthesizing NCM, NCMOH precursor decides much of the prepared NCM materials in both electrochemical and mechanical scale while mechanical degrading mechanism inside crystal lattice is missing in related literature. In this study, the LiNi0.7Co0.1Mn0.2O2 single crystalline particles are calcined from NCMOH precursors with difference in mechanical stacking morphology and physical property (specific surface area and tapping density) through the same appropriate sintering condition. The evolution of lattice microstrain calculation and elastic modulus for NCM materials through structure and mechanical evaluation has been studied. It is indicated that larger size and higher rate capability (fast charging) of single crystalline LNCMO materials can be obtained from precursor with smaller specific surface area and higher tapping density while the larger microstrain and less elastic modulus degradation are determined during electrochemical charging process. Stronger structure maintaining ability of NCM lattice under large electric field force (during fast charging process) is beneficial to the capacity performance related with higher-rate capability. This might provide a novel insight of understanding the mechanical effect of NCMOH precursors on the synthesis and electrochemical performance of Ni-rich LiNixCoyMn1-x-y materials.