A Structural and Morphological Study of LiCo1-XSmXOY Powders Obtained by the Sol-Gel Method

In this study, the synthesis of LiCo1-XSmXOy powders (X = 0.002, 0.004, 0.006, 0.008, and 0.1) by the sol-gel method and the influence of Sm on their structural and morphological properties is reported for the first time. The results of x-ray diffraction (XRD) studies show that LiCoO2 powders synthesized at temperatures up to 700°C present a characteristic hexagonal crystalline phase of the α-NaFeO2 type (space group R-3m), revealing a shift in the (0 0 3) Bragg reflection, which reflects the presence of Sm in the crystalline structure. The morphology was spheroidal and, on average, 122 nm in size. Based on the data obtained, LiCo1-XSmXOy powders (X = 0.002, 0.004, 0.006, 0.008, and 0.1) show promise as a material for use in the cathodes of lithium-ion batteries.