Freeze drying synthesis of LiNi$_{0.4}$Mn$_{0.4}$Co$_{0.2}$O$_{2}$ cathode materialsfor lithium-ion batteries

For the first time, ultradispersed cathode materials LiNi$_{0.4}$Mn$_{0.4}$Co$_{0.2}$O$_{2}$ were obtained from freeze dried precursors with different anionic composition. The thermal decomposition of freeze drying precursors was carried out at 800–950$^\circ$C. By using XRD and SEM techniques, it was shown that particle size, crystallinity and cation ordering of Ni$^{2+}$ and Li$^+$ions enhance with increasing thermal treatment temperature up to 900$^\circ$C. It was established that LiNi$_{0.4}$Mn$_{0.4}$Co$_{0.2}$O$_{2}$ powders obtained from nitrate precursor at 900$^\circ$C possess the highest degree of crystallinity and cation ordering.