Single-crystal Ni-rich-doped LiNi0.59Co0.3Ti0.1Al0.01O2 (NCTA) cathode materials: effect of annealing temperature on the structure, morphology, and electrochemical performance

Abstract

Rapid advances in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) demand innovative approaches to enhance cathode performance for high-capacity energy storage. We focused on Ni-rich-doped LiNi_0.59Co_0.3Ti_0.1Al_0.01O₂ (NCTA) single-crystal cathode materials, synthesized via co-precipitation, and subjected to varying annealing temperatures (900 °C, 920 °C, and 950 °C). We wished to examine how the annealing temperature impacts the structural, morphological, and electrochemical properties of these NCTA cathode materials. Advanced characterization methods (XRD, FESEM, and electrochemical testing) were utilized to evaluate crystallinity, particle distribution, and cycling performance. An annealing temperature of 920 °C resulted in optimal crystallinity, reduced cation mixing, and enhanced electrochemical stability, with capacity retention of 81.90% after 100 cycles. Our data suggest that precise control of temperature during the synthesis is critical to improving LIB cathode performance, contributing to more efficient solutions for energy storage.