Electrochemical properties of nano-sized LiNi _1/3Co _1/3Mn _1/3O ₂ powders in the range from 56 to 101 nm prepared by flame spray pyrolysis

Nano-sized LiNi _1/3Co _1/3Mn _1/3O ₂ powders in the range from 56 to 101 nm with hexagonal α-NaFeO ₂ structures are prepared directly by flame spray pyrolysis. Post-treatment of the powders at 700°C increases their crystallinity and mean particle sizes. The intensity ratios of the powders' (0 0 3) and (1 0 4) peaks in the XRD patterns prepared from spray solutions with lithium excesses of 10, 15 and 20% of the stoichiometric amount are 0.83, 1.25 and 1.25, respectively. The powder prepared with 15% excess lithium results in the highest initial discharge capacity of 174 mAh g ^-1 when post-treated at 700°C. The discharge capacity of the powder post-treated at 800°C decreases from 168 to 120 mAh g ^-1 after 30 cycles.