Synthesis of NMC 631 Cathode Using Technical and Analytical-Grade Materials for Lithium-ion Battery
Bagus Anggraini1,2*, Evvy Kartini 2,3, Abdulloh Rifai3 , Muhammad Fakhruddin 2,3, Nawwal Hikmah 4, Akhmad Saufan1 , Imam Basori1

1Departement of Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Faculty, Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Jl. R.Mangun Muka Raya, Pulo Gadung, East Jakarta, Jakarta 13220, Indonesia
2National Battery Research Institute (NBRI), Indonesian Life Science Center, Technology Business Zone BRIN Puspitek Area, Bogor 16340, West Java, Indonesia
3Nano Material Research Organization, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), KST. B.J. Habibie, Puspitek, Setu, South Tangerang 15314, Indonesia
4Department of Chemistry, Universitas Lambung Mangkurat, Banjarbaru, Indonesia

Abstract

Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC) cathode materials are promising for lithium-ion batteries because of their balanced capacity, structural stability, and cost-performance characteristics. This study synthesized LiNi&#8320-.&#8326-Mn&#8320-.&#8323-Co&#8320-.&#8321-O&#8322- (NMC 631) cathode materials using technical-grade and analytical-grade materials through the carbonate co-precipitation method. The work aims to evaluate the influence of material grade on the morphological, structural, compositional, and performance properties of NMC 631 cathode materials. The samples were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) testing. SEM results showed that NMC 631-A had a smaller average particle size of 134.11 nm than NMC 631-T at 243.61 nm, indicating a shorter lithium-ion diffusion pathway. EDS analysis confirmed that both samples approached the designed Ni:Mn:Co ratio of 6:3:1. XRD results showed layered hexagonal structures with c/a values above 4.8999, while NMC 631-A exhibited a higher I(003)/I(104) ratio of 1.198 than NMC 631-T at 1.10, indicating lower cation mixing. GCD testing confirmed that NMC 631-A delivered higher specific discharge capacity and better rate capability. Nevertheless, NMC 631-T showed acceptable cycling stability, indicating its potential as a cost-effective alternative for scalable NMC 631 cathode material production.

Keywords: NMC631, cathode material, technical-grade material, analytical-grade material, lithium-ion battery.

Topic: Material Physics