Citation: Junlei Wang, Wen Du, Jinyu Li, Qianlong Wang, Shilong Li, Kun Wang. Transformation routes of precursor metal elements during flame-assisted spray pyrolysis and effect of Li on NCM cathode materials[J]. Chinese Chemical Letters, ;2026, 37(11): 111665. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2025.111665 shu

Transformation routes of precursor metal elements during flame-assisted spray pyrolysis and effect of Li on NCM cathode materials

State Key Laboratory of Engines (Tianjin University), Tianjin 300350, China

lishilong@tju.edu.cn

kwang5@tju.edu.cn

Received Date: 20 May 2025
Revised Date: 28 July 2025
Accepted Date: 31 July 2025
Available Online: 5 August 2025

Figures(6)

Flame-assisted spray pyrolysis (FASP) is a promising manufacturing technology for preparing LiNi_1-x-yCo_xMn_yO₂ (NCM) cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries, which involves four metal elements: Li, Ni, Co, and Mn. The transformation routes of inorganic salts associated with these elements during FASP, leading to the synthesis of NCM cathode materials, are complex and remains unclear. In the present study, theoretical thermodynamic calculations and experimental thermogravimetric analysis were employed. Results show that LiNO₃ begins to decompose at 660 ℃, significantly higher than the decomposition temperatures of Ni, Co, and Mn nitrates (below 300 ℃). Therefore, the thermal decomposition routes of the four nitrates can be categorized into two groups: Ni, Co, and Mn nitrates decompose into non-reactive stable oxides, while LiNO₃ is converted to the reactive Li₂O, ultimately forming LiOH and Li₂CO₃ in the presence of CO₂ and H₂O. The above finding greatly simplifies and enhances the understanding of fundamental mechanism governing the complex FASP preparation process for NCM cathode materials. Furthermore, to reveal the effect of the Li element on NCM cathode materials properties, a two-step FASP approach was proposed for preparing LiNi_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ (NCM111) using three lithium salts: LiNO₃, Li₂CO₃, and LiOH·H₂O. Results indicate that the lithium salts significantly influence NCM cathode material structure and electrochemical performance, with NCM111 prepared using LiOH·H₂O exhibiting the optimal structure and electrochemical performance.
- Flame-assisted spray pyrolysis,
- Thermal analysis,
- Metal elements,
- NCM cathode materials,
- Lithium salts,
- Electrochemical performance
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