Facile Synthesis Method of Self-Assembled Ni-Rich LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2/rGO Composite for High-Performance Li-Ion Batteries

A hybrid material, LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂, with excess lithium and wrapped in reduced graphene oxide (rGO), has been synthesized through ultrasonication employing Triton X as a surfactant. The ultrasonication process breaks down the initially clustered large particles into small nanoparticles, ensuring a uniform composite with reduced graphene oxide. With a consistent capacity retention of 87.56% over 100 cycles, the cathode composite exhibits a promising initial capacity of around 250 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 C. Notably, the composite has high-rate capability, providing capacities of 230 and 178.9 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.2 and 2 C, respectively. These experimental results indicate that the well-dispersed LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ nanoparticles and the porous reduced graphene oxide framework work in concert to enhance the electrochemical performance of the reduced graphene oxide-wrapped LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ cathode material, which was achieved through ultrasonication with Triton X (TX-100) surfactant assistance. This synergy allows for the fast diffusion of both Li ions (Li⁺) and electrons (e⁻) while also allowing volumetric variations during the introduction and withdrawal of Li ions (Li⁺). As a result, the fabrication of this reduced graphene oxide-wrapped LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ cathode material shows promise as a high-rate cathode material, especially for energy storage applications.