U.S. patent application number 11/997480 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-02 for positive electrode active material, positive electrode for nonaqueous electrolyte battery, and nonaqueous electrolyte battery.
This patent application is currently assigned to SANTOKU CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Tetsu Fujiwara, Akihito Kaneko, Kazuhiko Nakamura.
Application Number | 20100219370 11/997480 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37708753 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100219370 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nakamura; Kazuhiko ; et
al. |
September 2, 2010 |
POSITIVE ELECTRODE ACTIVE MATERIAL, POSITIVE ELECTRODE FOR
NONAQUEOUS ELECTROLYTE BATTERY, AND NONAQUEOUS ELECTROLYTE
BATTERY
Abstract
The present invention provides a nonaqueous electrolyte battery
that exhibits high energy density and excellent cycle
characteristics, as well as a cathode for use in such a battery,
and a cathode active material for use in such a cathode. The
cathode active material of the present invention has a composition
represented by the formula (1) and a crystallite size in the (110)
plane of not smaller than 85 nm:
Li.sub.xCo.sub.1-y-zNb.sub.yM.sub.zO.sub.2 (1) wherein M stands for
at least one element selected from Mg, Y, rare earth elements, Ti,
Zr, Hf, V, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, B, Al, Ga, C, Si, Sn,
N, S, F, and Cl; and 0.9.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.1.1,
0.0002.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.01, and 0.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.0.05.
Inventors: |
Nakamura; Kazuhiko;
(Takarazuka-shi, JP) ; Fujiwara; Tetsu; (Kobe-shi,
JP) ; Kaneko; Akihito; (Kobe-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SUGHRUE MION, PLLC
2100 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, N.W., SUITE 800
WASHINGTON
DC
20037
US
|
Assignee: |
SANTOKU CORPORATION
Kobe-shi
JP
|
Family ID: |
37708753 |
Appl. No.: |
11/997480 |
Filed: |
August 1, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
August 1, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2006/315187 |
371 Date: |
March 11, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
252/182.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C01P 2006/32 20130101;
H01M 4/525 20130101; C01P 2004/61 20130101; C01P 2004/50 20130101;
H01M 4/131 20130101; C01G 53/42 20130101; C01P 2006/40 20130101;
C01G 49/009 20130101; C01P 2004/80 20130101; Y02E 60/10 20130101;
H01M 4/58 20130101; C01G 51/42 20130101; Y02T 10/70 20130101; C01G
45/006 20130101; C01P 2004/62 20130101; C01P 2002/77 20130101; C01P
2004/51 20130101; H01M 4/485 20130101; H01M 2004/028 20130101; C01P
2002/88 20130101; C01P 2004/32 20130101; B82Y 30/00 20130101; C01P
2004/03 20130101; C01P 2002/72 20130101; C01G 51/04 20130101; C01P
2002/60 20130101; H01M 10/0525 20130101; C01P 2002/52 20130101;
C01P 2004/64 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
252/182.1 |
International
Class: |
H01M 4/86 20060101
H01M004/86 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 1, 2005 |
JP |
2005-248378 |
Feb 8, 2006 |
JP |
2006-030428 |
Claims
1. A cathode active material of a composition represented by the
formula (1) having a crystallite size in the (110) plane of not
smaller than 85 nm: Li.sub.xCo.sub.1-y-zNb.sub.yM.sub.zO.sub.2 (1)
wherein M stands for at least one element selected from Mg, Y, rare
earth elements, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn,
B, Al, Ga, C, Si, Sn, N, S, F, and Cl; and 0.9.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.1.1,
0.0002.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.01, and 0.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.0.05.
2. The cathode active material according to claim 1, wherein y is
0.0005.ltoreq.y<0.005.
3. The cathode active material according to claim 1, wherein y is
0.001.ltoreq.y<0.005.
4. The cathode active material according to claim 1, wherein M is
Mg, and z is 0<z.ltoreq.0.05.
5. The cathode active material according to claim 4, wherein z is
0.005.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.0.02.
6. A cathode for a nonaqueous electrolyte battery comprising a
cathode active material according to claim 1.
7. A nonaqueous electrolyte battery comprising a cathode for a
nonaqueous electrolyte battery according to claim 6.
Description
FIELD OF ART
[0001] The present invention relates to a cathode active material
for nonaqueous electrolyte batteries, such as lithium ion
rechargeable batteries, a cathode for nonaqueous electrolyte
batteries, and a nonaqueous electrolyte battery.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Lithium ion rechargeable batteries as a nonaqueous
electrolyte battery are widely used in portable electronic devices,
such as video cameras, mobile phones, and notebook computers, which
have been becoming smaller, lighter, and more powerful. The
batteries are also expected to be used in hybrid and electronic
vehicles. For such applications, it is recently an important
problem to improve the energy density of the batteries.
[0003] In order to solve this problem, it is conceivable to
increase the maximum charging voltage and the discharge voltage.
For lithium ion rechargeable batteries employing LiCoO.sub.2 as a
cathode active material, the current maximum charging voltage is
about 4.2 V vs lithium. At a higher charging voltage of beyond 4.2
V, the amount of deintercalated lithium is excessive, which
increases crystal strain of the cathode active material, resulting
in collapse of the crystal structure. Thus, it is necessary not
only to raise the maximum charging voltage, but also to improve
stability of the crystal structure in the charged state, for
preventing deterioration of discharge capacity and cycle
characteristics.
[0004] For improving stability at high voltage of the crystal
structure of LiCoO.sub.2 as a cathode active material, it is
proposed to substitute part of Co with one or more different
elements. For example, Patent Publication 1 proposes a cathode
active material wherein part of Co is substituted with Mg and M
representing at least one element selected from the group
consisting of Al, Ti, Sr, Mn, Ni, and Ca. Patent Publication 2
proposes a cathode active material wherein part of Co is
substituted with elements of groups IV-A and II-A. Patent
Publication 3 proposes a cathode active material that withstands
high voltage and has high capacity and excellent cycle
characteristics, wherein part of Co is substituted with A
representing at least one element selected from the group
consisting of Ti, Ta, and Nb, and B representing at least one
element selected from the group consisting of Al, Fe, Ni, Y, Zr, W,
Mn, In, Sn, and Si. Patent Publication 4 proposes a cathode active
material that has high capacity and excellent low-temperature
properties, wherein part of Co may be substituted with M
representing at least one element selected from the group
consisting of Ta, Ti, Nb, Zr, and Hf.
[0005] The proposed cathode active materials, however, do not have
sufficient stability of LiCoO.sub.2 crystal structure. Batteries
having high energy density and excellent cycle characteristics are
yet to be obtained.
Patent Publication 1: JP-2004-220952-A
Patent Publication 2: JP-2005-50779-A
Patent Publication 3: JP-2001-351624-A
Patent Publication 4: WO-01-027032-A
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
nonaqueous electrolyte battery that exhibits, even at a maximum
charging voltage of about 4.2 V, high energy density and excellent
cycle characteristics, and at an increased maximum charging voltage
of about 4.6 V, exhibits high energy density and still more
excellent cycle characteristics, as well as a cathode for the
nonaqueous electrolyte battery and a cathode active material for
the cathode.
[0007] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
nonaqueous electrolyte battery that exhibits high energy density,
excellent cycle characteristics, and also excellent thermal
stability, as well as a cathode for the nonaqueous electrolyte
battery and a cathode active material for the cathode.
[0008] According to the present invention, there is provided a
cathode active material of a composition represented by the formula
(1) having a crystallite size in the (110) plane of not smaller
than 85 nm:
Li.sub.xCo.sub.1-y-zNb.sub.yM.sub.zO.sub.2 (1)
wherein M stands for at least one element selected from Mg, Y, rare
earth elements, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn,
B, Al, Ga, C, Si, Sn, N, S, F, and Cl; and 0.9.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.1.1,
0.0002.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.01, and
0.ltoreq..ltoreq.z.ltoreq.0.05.
[0009] According to the present invention, there is also provided a
cathode for a nonaqueous electrolyte battery comprising the above
cathode active material.
[0010] According to the present invention, there is also provided a
nonaqueous electrolyte battery comprising the above cathode for a
nonaqueous electrolyte battery.
[0011] According to the present invention, there is further
provided use of the above cathode active material in the
manufacture of a cathode for a nonaqueous electrolyte battery.
[0012] Utilizing the cathode active material having the
above-mentioned structure, the nonaqueous electrolyte battery and
the cathode for the nonaqueous electrolyte battery according to the
present invention exhibit high energy density and excellent cycle
characteristics. The cathode active material according to the
present invention is extremely useful in production of a cathode
for nonaqueous electrolyte batteries.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a graph showing the X-ray diffraction spectrum of
the cathode active material prepared in Example 1.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a copy of a SEM image at .times.5000 magnification
of the cathode active material prepared in Example 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a graph showing the X-ray diffraction spectrum of
the cathode active material prepared in Comparative Example 3.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a copy of a SEM image at .times.5000 magnification
of the cathode active material prepared in Comparative Example
3.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the results of differential
scanning calorimetry of the cathode active materials prepared in
Example 1, Example 5, and Comparative Example 5.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The present invention will now be explained in more
detail.
[0019] The cathode active material according to the present
invention has a composition represented by the formula (1)
mentioned above.
[0020] In the formula (1), M stands for at least one element
selected from Mg, Y, rare earth elements, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Ta, Cr,
Mo, W, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, B, Al, Ga, C, Si, Sn, N, S, F, and
Cl.
[0021] In the formula (1), x denotes the amount of Li upon
synthesis of the cathode active material, and is
0.9.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.1.1. With x within this range, the cathode
active material is given a LiCoO.sub.2 single phase structure. When
a battery is produced with the cathode active material and
subjected to charging/discharging, the amount of Li varies due to
intercalation and deintercalation.
[0022] In the formula (1), y denotes the amount of Nb, and is
0.0002.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.01. It is not known in detail how Nb is
present and functions in the cathode active material, but
substituting part of Co with Nb and making the crystallite size in
the (110) phase fall within the particular range as will be
discussed later, stabilize the crystal structure. Thus, using such
a cathode active material in a cathode of a nonaqueous electrolyte
battery, high energy density and excellent cycle characteristics
may be achieved even at a maximum charging voltage of about 4.2 V.
Further, at an increased maximum charging voltage of about 4.6 V,
still more excellent energy density and cycle characteristics may
be achieved.
[0023] In the cathode active material according to the present
invention, it is preferred that Nb is present in such a state that
no peak corresponding to the secondary phase (an oxide of Nb or a
Li--Nb composite oxide) is observed in X-ray diffraction. Further,
it is preferred that uneven distribution of Nb in a cross-section
of the cathode active material is not observed with EPMA (Electron
Probe Micro Analyzer) at .times.1000 magnification. If y is less
than 0.0002, the effect of Nb to stabilize the crystal structure is
not exhibited sufficiently. If y is more than 0.01, the secondary
phase is precipitated, the effect of Nb to stabilize the crystal
structure is not exhibited sufficiently, the capacity is lowered,
and the internal resistance is increased. y is preferably
0.0005.ltoreq.y<0.005, more preferably 0.001.ltoreq.y<0.005.
With y within these ranges, no peak corresponding to the secondary
phase is observed in X-ray diffraction, and uneven distribution of
Nb in a cross-section is not observed with EPMA, which result in
stabilized crystal structure and high capacity.
[0024] In the formula (1), M stands for one or more elements
selected from Mg, Y, rare earth elements, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Ta, Cr,
Mo, W, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, B, Al, Ga, C, Si, Sn, N, S, F, and Cl.
For example, when M is Mg, thermal stability is greatly improved.
Addition of Mg as M, compared to addition of only Nd, results in a
synergistic effect that the average discharge voltage is increased
at a higher maximum charging voltage.
[0025] z denotes the amount of M, and is 0.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.0.05.
The cathode active material according to the present invention does
not necessarily contain M. However, M may be contained for the
purpose of improving various battery properties, or as inevitable
impurities. If z is more than 0.05, the secondary phase is
precipitated, which causes decrease in capacity. The balance of
various battery properties being considered, it is preferred that M
is Mg and z is 0.005.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.0.02.
[0026] The cathode active material according to the present
invention has a crystallite size in the (110) plane of not smaller
than 85 nm.
[0027] In the present invention, the crystallite size in the (110)
plane is calculated according to the Scherrer formula from the peak
near 2.theta.=66.5.+-.1.degree. in X-ray diffraction spectrum
determined by means of an X-ray diffractometer (RINT2000
manufactured by RIGAKU CORPORATION) with CuK.alpha. radiation. With
the crystallite size in the (110) plane of not smaller than 85 nm,
the crystal structure is stable. Addition of Nb results in the
tendency for the crystallite size in the (110) plane to decrease
due to suppressed growth of the primary particles, so that it is
necessary to control the starting materials and manufacturing
conditions for achieving the size of not smaller than 85 nm. If the
crystallite size in the (110) plane is less than 85 nm, the crystal
structure is unstable during charging, which deteriorates discharge
capacity and cycle characteristics.
[0028] The cathode active material according to the present
invention may be prepared, for example, by mixing a Li compound as
a Li source, a Co compound as a Co source, a Nb compound as a Nb
source, and optionally an M compound as an M source, and calcining
the resulting mixture under appropriate conditions.
[0029] Examples of the Li compound may include inorganic salts,
such as lithium hydroxide, lithium chloride, lithium nitrate,
lithium carbonate, and lithium sulfate; and organic salts, such as
lithium formate, lithium acetate, and lithium oxalate.
[0030] Examples of the Co compound may include oxide, hydroxide,
carbonate, and oxyhydroxide of cobalt. Among these, cobalt oxide is
preferred, and particularly preferred is cobalt oxide in the form
of spheres having an average primary particle size of 50 to 200 nm
and an average secondary particle size of 5 to 20 .mu.M. Use of
such spherical oxide particles as a starting material remarkably
improves the reactivity with Nb to suppress segregation of Nb in
the particles, and to achieve the crystallite size in the (110)
plane of not smaller than 85 nm.
[0031] The oxide in the form of spheres may be prepared, for
example, by introducing an aqueous solution of a Co compound and an
alkaline aqueous solution into a reaction vessel under stirring at
constant temperature and pH to prepare a hydroxide in the form of
spheres, and calcining the hydroxide.
[0032] In the preparation of the hydroxide, a complexing agent,
such as an ammonium salt, may suitably be added into the reaction
vessel.
[0033] The calcination of the spherical hydroxide thus obtained may
be performed usually at 300 to 800.degree. C. for 1 to 24 hours.
This step may also be performed by preliminary calcination at a
temperature lower than the intended temperature, followed by
raising up to the intended temperature, or by calcination at the
intended temperature, followed by annealing at a lower
temperature.
[0034] The sizes of the primary and secondary particles of the
spherical oxide may easily be controlled by adjusting the
concentration of the aqueous solution of a Co compound, the
concentration of the alkaline aqueous solution, the adding rate of
these solutions, the pH and temperature in the reaction vessel, the
concentration of the complexing agent, as well as the conditions of
calcination of the resulting hydroxide.
[0035] In this way, the oxide in the form of spheres having an
average primary particle size of 50 to 200 nm and an average
secondary particle size of 5 to 20 .mu.m may be obtained, which is
suitable as a Co source.
[0036] Examples of the Nb compound may include niobium oxide,
preferably Nb.sub.2O.sub.5. Since the content of Nb is a trace
amount, it is necessary to uniformly disperse Nb in mixing with the
Li compound and the Co compound. Otherwise, Nb may be segregated or
the secondary phase may precipitate after the calcination. For
improved dispersibility, the average particle size of the Nb
compound is preferably 1 to 5 .mu.m.
[0037] Examples of the M compound may include, though varying
depending on the selected element, oxides, hydroxides, carbonates,
sulfates, nitrates, and halides containing M, and gases containing
M.
[0038] For preparing the cathode active material of the present
invention, first, for example, the Li compound, the Co compound,
the Nb compound, and optionally the M compound are respectively
measured out and mixed. The mixing may be performed in a ball mill
or the like according to a known method, but it is preferred to use
a high-speed stirring mixer in order to improve dispersibility.
[0039] Next, the mixture thus obtained is calcined. The calcination
may be performed in a bogie hearth furnace, a kiln furnace, a mesh
belt furnace, or the like, according to a known method, usually at
higher than 1000.degree. C. for 1 to 24 hours. Preferred
calcination temperature is 1030 to 1050.degree. C. At 1000.degree.
C. or lower, the crystallite size in the (110) plane may not be
ensured to be not smaller than 85 nm.
[0040] The calcination may also be performed by preliminary
calcination at a temperature lower than the above-mentioned
calcination temperature, followed by raising up to the calcination
temperature, or by calcination at the above-mentioned calcination
temperature, followed by annealing at a lower temperature. The
preliminary calcination or the annealing may be performed usually
at 500 to 800.degree. C. for about 30 minutes to about 6 hours.
[0041] The cathode active material according to the present
invention may alternatively be prepared by mixing a Li compound and
a composite compound prepared by coprecipitation of Co, Nb, and
optionally M, and calcining the resulting mixture.
[0042] The cathode for a nonaqueous electrolyte battery according
to the present invention contains the cathode active material of
the present invention discussed above.
[0043] The cathode of the present invention may be prepared by a
known method, using the cathode active material of the present
invention as a cathode active material. For example, the cathode
may be prepared by mixing the cathode active material, an
electrically conductive material, a binder, and the like with an
organic solvent, applying the resulting paste to a collector,
drying, rolling, and cutting into a predetermined size. The
electrically conductive material, the binder, the organic solvent,
and the collector may be known products.
[0044] Examples of the electrically conductive material may include
carbonaceous materials, such as natural graphite, artificial
graphite, Ketjen black, and acetylene black.
[0045] Examples of the binder may include fluororesins, such as
polytetrafluoroethylene and polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinyl
acetate, polymethyl methacrylate, ethylene-propylene-diene
copolymer, styrene-butadiene copolymer, acrylonitrile-butadiene
copolymer, and carboxymethyl cellulose.
[0046] Examples of the organic solvent may include
N-methylpyrrolidone, tetrahydrofuran, ethylene oxide, methyl ethyl
ketone, cyclohexanone, methyl acetate, methyl acrylate,
diethyltriamine, dimethylformamide, and dimethylacetamide.
[0047] Examples of the collector may include metal foils, such as
Al, Cu, and stainless steel foils.
[0048] The cathode active material used in the cathode of the
present invention may be the cathode active material of the present
invention mixed with a known cathode active material for achieving
desired battery properties. For example, a cathode active material
composed mainly of Ni, such as LiNiO.sub.2, may be admixed to
improve the discharge capacity, or
LiNi.sub.1/3Co.sub.1/3Mn.sub.1/3O.sub.2 may be admixed to improve
safety.
[0049] The nonaqueous electrolyte battery according to the present
invention is provided with the cathode for a nonaqueous electrolyte
battery according to the present invention.
[0050] The constituent components of the nonaqueous electrolyte
battery of the present invention other than the cathode may be of
known structures. The nonaqueous electrolyte battery of the present
invention is composed mainly of, for example, a cathode, an anode,
an organic solvent, an electrolyte, and a separator. The organic
solvent and the electrolyte may be replaced with a solid
electrolyte.
[0051] In the anode, an anode active material is contained, such as
a lithium metal, a lithium alloy, or a carbonaceous material. A
binder, a collector, and the like, which are similar to those for
the cathode, are optionally used. Examples of the carbonaceous
material may include amorphous carbon, such as soft carbon and hard
carbon, artificial graphite, and natural graphite.
[0052] Examples of the organic solvent may include carbonates, such
as propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate,
diethyl carbonate, and ethyl methyl carbonate; ethers, such as
1,2-dimethoxypropane, 1,3-dimethoxypropane, tetrahydrofuran, and
2-methyltetrahydrofuran; esters, such as methyl acetate and
.gamma.-butyrolactone; nitriles, such as acetonitrile and
butylonitrile; and amides, such as N,N-dimethylformamide and
N,N-dimethylacetamide.
[0053] Examples of the electrolyte may include LiClO.sub.4,
LiPF.sub.6, and LiBF.sub.4.
[0054] Examples of the solid electrolyte may include polymer
electrolytes, such as polyethylene oxide electrolyte; and sulfate
electrolytes, such as Li.sub.2S--SiS.sub.2,
Li.sub.2S--P.sub.2S.sub.5, and Li.sub.2S--B.sub.2S.sub.3.
Alternatively, a so-called gel-type electrolyte, wherein a
nonaqueous electrolyte solution is retained in a polymer, may also
be used.
[0055] Examples of the separator may include porous polymer
membranes, such as of polyethylene or polypropylene.
[0056] The nonaqueous electrolyte battery according to the present
invention may take various shapes, such as cylindrical, laminated,
and coin shapes. In any shape, the nonaqueous electrolyte battery
of the present invention may be fabricated by placing the
above-mentioned constituent components in a battery case,
connecting the cathode and the anode to a cathode terminal and an
anode terminal, respectively, with collector leads, and sealing the
battery case.
EXAMPLES
[0057] The present invention will now be explained in more detail
with reference to Examples and Comparative Examples, which are not
intended to limit the present invention.
Example 1
[0058] 500 ml of an aqueous solution of cobalt sulfate with a Co
content of 1 mol/l and 1000 ml of a 1 mol/l aqueous solution of
sodium hydroxide were introduced into a reaction vessel under
stirring so as to be at 50.degree. C. and pH 8 to 12. After the
introduction, the mixture was stirred continuously, and maintained
at 50.degree. C. for 10 hours for ageing. Then the resulting
precipitate was taken out by filtration, and calcined in a
box-shaped electric furnace at 300.degree. C. for 5 hours to obtain
cobalt oxide in the form of spheres. The major axis of more than
100 arbitrarily-selected primary particles of the spherical cobalt
oxide thus obtained was measured using a .times.5000 SEM image. It
was determined that the average primary particle size represented
as an average value of the major axis was 100 nm. The average
secondary particle size (D50) determined by laser diffraction was
16 .mu.m.
[0059] The spherical cobalt oxide prepared above, lithium
carbonate, and niobium oxide having an average particle size (D50)
of 2 .mu.m were measured out at a ratio of
Li:Co:Nb=1:0.9990:0.0010, and mixed in a high-speed stirring mixer.
The resulting mixture was calcined in a box-shaped electric furnace
at 1010.degree. C. for 6 hours to obtain a cathode active material.
The X-ray diffraction spectrum of this cathode active material
determined with CuK.alpha. radiation is shown in FIG. 1.
[0060] The result was that only a diffraction peak corresponding to
the hexagonal system was observed. The crystallite size determined
from the diffraction peak in the (110) plane was 87.3 nm. The
cathode active material was observed under SEM at .times.5000
magnification. A copy of the SEM image is shown in FIG. 2. Further,
a cross-section of the cathode active material was observed with
EPMA at .times.1000 magnification to confirm that Nb was not
unevenly distributed in any particles.
[0061] The cathode active material thus obtained, acetylene black
as an electrically conductive material, and polyvinylidene fluoride
as a binder were mixed at a ratio of 93:2:5 by mass, and kneaded
with N-methylpyrrolidone into a paste. The paste was applied onto
aluminum foil of 20 .mu.m thick, dried, and pressure molded in a
press. The resulting product was cut into a predetermined size, and
terminals were spot-welded thereto to produce a cathode. On the
other hand, lithium foil was fixed to stainless steel mesh by
pressing, and terminals were spot-welded thereto to produce an
anode. An electrode prepared in the same way as the anode was used
as a reference electrode. These electrodes were placed in a glass
container with their terminals projecting from each electrode, and
an electrolyte prepared by dissolving lithium perchlorate in a 1:1
(by volume) mixture of ethylene carbonate and ethyl methyl
carbonate at 1 mol/l, was introduced into the container to produce
a nonaqueous electrolyte battery.
[0062] The battery was subjected to charging/discharging at 1 C
(C=150 mA/g) between the maximum charging voltage of 4.3 V and the
minimum discharging voltage of 3V vs the reference electrode. Then
the discharge capacity and the average discharge voltage per 1 g of
the cathode active material at the first cycle were taken as the
initial capacity and the initial discharge voltage, respectively.
It was determined that the initial capacity of this battery was 152
mAh/g, and the initial discharge voltage was 3.84 V. The discharge
rate at the 20th cycle of charging/discharging under the same
conditions, divided by the initial capacity, was taken as a cycle
capacity characteristics value. Similarly, the average discharge
voltage at the 20th cycle divided by the initial discharge voltage
was taken as a cycle voltage characteristics value. The cycle
capacity characteristics value of this battery was 96.2% and the
cycle voltage characteristics value was 98.0%. The results are
shown in Table 2.
[0063] On the other hand, the initial capacity, the initial
discharge voltage, the cycle capacity characteristics value, and
the cycle voltage characteristics value of the battery were
determined by performing charging/discharging under the same
conditions as above, except that the maximum charging voltage was
4.5 V. In this case, the initial capacity was 180 mAh/g, the
initial discharge voltage was 3.92 V, the cycle capacity
characteristics value was 83.9%, and the cycle voltage
characteristics value was 88.5%. The results are shown in Table
3.
[0064] The average discharge voltage at the second cycle of
charging/discharging under the same conditions as above, except
that the maximum charging voltage was 4.6 V, was taken as a 4.6 V
average discharge voltage. The 4.6 V average discharge voltage of
this battery was 3.93 V. The result is shown in Table 1.
[0065] The cathode was taken out from the battery that had been
charged to 4.3 V, and cut into a predetermined size to prepare a
cathode piece. This cathode piece was sealed in an aluminum
measuring cell together with the electrolyte discussed above. The
cell was pierced for degassing. The measuring cell thus produced
was subjected to differential scanning calorimetry in a DSC
(differential scanning calorimetry) system at the
temperature-raising rate of 5.degree. C./min from the room
temperature up to 300.degree. C. The results are shown in FIG.
5.
Examples 2-4
[0066] A cathode active material, a cathode, and a nonaqueous
electrolyte battery were prepared in the same way as in Example 1,
using cobalt oxide in the form of spheres, lithium carbonate, and
niobium oxide at each composition shown in Table 1. The crystallite
size in the (110) plane of the obtained cathode active material and
the battery properties of the nonaqueous electrolyte battery thus
produced were determined in the same way as in Example 1. The
results are shown in Tables 1 to 3.
Examples 5 and 6
[0067] A cathode active material, a cathode, and a nonaqueous
electrolyte battery were prepared in the same way as in Example 1,
using cobalt oxide in the form of spheres, lithium carbonate,
niobium oxide, and magnesium hydroxide at each composition shown in
Table 1. The magnesium hydroxide used here had an average particle
size (D50) of 4 .mu.m.
[0068] The crystallite size in the (110) plane of the obtained
cathode active material and the battery properties of the
nonaqueous electrolyte battery thus produced were determined in the
same way as in Example 1. The results are shown in Tables 1 to 3.
The results of differential scanning calorimetry of the cathode
active material prepared in Example 5 are shown in FIG. 5. It was
confirmed that addition of Mg caused the exothermic peak to
generally shift to the higher-temperature side, indicating
improvement in thermal resistance.
Comparative Examples 1-3
[0069] A cathode active material, a cathode, and a nonaqueous
electrolyte battery were prepared in the same way as in Example 1,
using cobalt oxide in the form of spheres, lithium carbonate, and
niobium oxide at each composition shown in Table 1. The crystallite
size in the (110) plane of the obtained cathode active material and
the battery properties of the nonaqueous electrolyte battery thus
produced were determined in the same way as in Example 1. The
results are shown in Tables 1 to 3.
[0070] The X-ray diffraction spectrum of the cathode active
material prepared in Comparative Example 3 are shown in FIG. 3,
wherein a diffraction peak corresponding to Nb oxide was confirmed
in addition to the peak corresponding to the hexagonal system.
Further, the cathode active material prepared in Comparative
Example 3 was observed under SEM at .times.5000 magnification. A
copy of the SEM image is shown in FIG. 4, wherein precipitate,
which is believed to be Nb oxide, was observed.
Comparative Example 4
[0071] A cathode active material, a cathode, and a nonaqueous
electrolyte battery were prepared in the same way as in Example 1,
except that the calcination of the mixture at 1010.degree. C. for 6
hours in Example 1 was changed to calcination at 900.degree. C. for
6 hours. The crystallite size in the (110) plane of the obtained
cathode active material and the battery properties of the
nonaqueous electrolyte battery thus produced were determined in the
same way as in Example 1. The results are shown in Tables 1 to
3.
Comparative Example 5
[0072] A cathode active material, a cathode, and a nonaqueous
electrolyte battery were prepared in the same way as in Example 1,
using cobalt oxide in the form of spheres, lithium carbonate, and
magnesium hydroxide at the composition shown in Table 1, except
that the calcination of the mixture at 1010.degree. C. for 6 hours
in Example 1 was changed to calcination at 990.degree. C. for 6
hours. The magnesium hydroxide used here had an average particle
size (D50) of 4 .mu.m.
[0073] The crystallite size in the (110) plane of the obtained
cathode active material and the battery properties of the
nonaqueous electrolyte battery thus produced were determined in the
same way as in Example 1. The results are shown in Tables 1 to 3.
The results of differential scanning calorimetry are shown in FIG.
5. From FIG. 5, it was found that rising of an exothermic peak was
observed at approximately the same temperature as in Example 5.
[0074] From the results of measurements in Examples and Comparative
Examples, it is understood that control of the crystallite size in
the (110) plane, in addition to the content of Nb, to fall within
the range according to the present invention resulted in
improvement in various battery properties at the maximum charging
voltage of 4.3 V, moreover at 4.5 V or 4.6 V. On the other hand, it
is also understood that control of the Nb content, in addition to
the crystallite size in the (110) plane, to fall within the range
according to the present invention resulted in improvement in
various battery properties at the maximum charging voltage of 4.3
V, moreover at 4.5 V or 4.6 V. It is further understood that
addition of Mg together with Nb resulted in improvement in not only
various battery properties but also thermal stability at the
maximum charging voltage of 4.3 V or 4.5 V, moreover at 4.6 V.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 4.6 V Average Crystallite discharge Nb Mg
size voltage Li Co (value of y) (value of z) (.ANG.) (V) Example 1
1 0.9990 0.0010 0 873 3.93 Example 2 1 0.9995 0.0005 0 911 3.87
Example 3 1 0.9900 0.0100 0 853 3.92 Example 4 1 0.9960 0.0040 0
864 3.93 Example 5 1 0.9890 0.0010 0.0100 1008 3.97 Example 6 1
0.9490 0.0010 0.0500 890 3.97 Comp. Ex. 1 1 0.9999 0.0001 0 1046
3.80 Comp. Ex. 2 1 1.0000 0 0 1038 3.82 Comp. Ex. 3 1 0.9800 0.0200
0 791 3.84 Comp. Ex. 4 1 0.9990 0.0010 0 840 3.81 Comp. Ex. 5 1
0.9900 0 0.0100 917 3.79
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Cycle capacity Cycle voltage Initial
characteristics Initial characteristics capacity value voltage
value (mAh/g) (%) (V) (%) Example 1 152 96.2 3.84 98.0 Example 2
149 95.7 3.84 97.5 Example 3 141 94.8 3.83 96.6 Example 4 149 95.3
3.84 97.1 Example 5 150 94.5 3.91 96.8 Example 6 140 94.8 3.84 95.9
Comp. Ex. 1 148 90.0 3.80 91.7 Comp. Ex. 2 149 91.3 3.82 92.9 Comp.
Ex. 3 129 93.5 3.82 95.2 Comp. Ex. 4 147 90.5 3.80 92.2 Comp. Ex. 5
148 93.7 3.83 95.3
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Cycle capacity Cycle voltage Initial
characteristics Initial characteristics capacity value voltage
value (mAh/g) (%) (V) (%) Example 1 180 83.9 3.92 88.5 Example 2
177 80.2 3.91 84.6 Example 3 168 82.9 3.91 87.0 Example 4 177 83.5
3.92 87.7 Example 5 177 82.3 3.91 87.5 Example 6 166 80.3 3.91 83.5
Comp. Ex. 1 175 70.2 3.88 74.0 Comp. Ex. 2 176 65.3 3.89 79.4 Comp.
Ex. 3 152 72.3 3.89 75.9 Comp. Ex. 4 173 71.5 3.88 75.1 Comp. Ex. 5
174 74.8 3.83 79.7
* * * * *