Structural Study of LiCoO₂ Synthesized by Sol-Gel Method at Different Temperatures

Abstract

Minimizing environmental impact requires efficient energy storage, which is essential for the transition to renewable energy. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are widely recognized for offering high energy density and long lifespan, making them a key technology in this transition. Their lightweight design also helps lower emissions in portable devices, contributing to a more sustainable energy future. A critical component of LIB is the cathode material, which plays a vital role in determining the battery's overall performance, capacity, and stability. Among the various cathode materials, LiCoO₂ is widely used due to its excellent electrochemical properties and stability. In order to find out how temperature affects the structural and morphological characteristics of LiCoO₂, it was synthesized using the sol-gel process conducted at various temperatures. Utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD), the study confirmed the crystallinity and defects while field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) was employed to study the surface structure and to determine particle size. The impact of temperature on the structural characteristics of LiCoO₂ is reported and discussed in detail.