Synthesis of $$hbox {Li}_{{x}}(hbox {Ni}_{0.80}hbox {Co}_{0.15}hbox {Al}_{0.05})hbox {O}_{{2}}$$ Li x ( Ni 0.80 Co 0.15 Al 0.05 ) O 2 cathodes with deficient and excess lithium using an ultrasonic sound-assisted co-precipitation method for Li-ion batteries

The possible improvements in structural stability and capacity of nickel–cobalt–aluminium cathode material were investigated by synthesizing this compound with various lithium amounts ( $$\hbox {Li}_{{x}}(\hbox {Ni}_{0.80}\hbox {Co}_{0.15}\hbox {Al}_{0.05})\hbox {O}_{{2}}$$ where $$x = 0.90,\, 0.95,\, 1.00$$ and 1.05). An ultrasound-assisted co-precipitation method was performed to produce spherical, nanosized powders with a narrow size distribution which satisfies a homogeneous and dense film during calendaring. Layered $$\hbox {Li}_{{x}}(\hbox {Ni}_{0.80}\hbox {Co}_{0.15}\hbox {Al}_{0.05})\hbox {O}_{{2}}$$ ( $$x = 0.90,\, 0.95,\, 1.00$$ and 1.05) cathode active materials were successfully synthesized with this method and chemical compositions of the powders synthesized were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy. Structural characterization was carried out via X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The electrochemical properties of the cathode materials were investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, galvanostatic charge/discharge and cyclic voltammetry methods. Among the cathode compositions in the current study, $$\hbox {Li}_{1.05}(\hbox {Ni}_{0.80}\hbox {Co}_{0.15}\hbox {Al}_{0.05})\hbox {O}_{{2}}$$ exhibited the highest capacity, 138 mAh $$\hbox {g}^{-1}$$ with 95% capacity retention upon 22 cycles.