Synthesis and improved electrochemical performance of LiCo 1‐x Sn x O 2 (x= 0 to 0.1) powders

Layered intercalation compounds LiCo 1‐x Sn x O 2 (x= 0 to 0.1) have been prepared using a simple combustion route method. X‐ray diffraction patterns and Laser Raman spectrum suggest that the synthesized materials had the R‐3m structure. Scanning electron images show that particles are well‐crystallized with a size distribution in the range of 50‐100 nm. The room temperature electrical conductivity of the sample increased with Sn content. For LiCo 1‐x Sn x O 2 (x = 0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05 and 0.1), the first discharge capacity increased with increase in Sn content. Among these samples, LiCo 0.95 Sn 0.05 O 2 had produced the best performance of all others with a stable reversible capacity of 186 mAhg ‐1 after 30 cycles. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)