Behavior of lithiated cobalt and nickel oxides in lithium rechargeable cells

The electrochemical properties of LiCoO/sub 2/ and LiNiO/sub 2/ materials in lithium rechargeable cells are presented and discussed. Cell data indicate that 165-Wh/kg D cells operating over 80 cycles can be constructed with both materials. These cells have a useful operating window extending to -20 degrees C. Self-discharge studies of fully charged cells at 45 degrees C indicate that LiNiO/sub 2/ cells lose 1-3% capacity per month while LiCoO/sub 2/ cells lose 10-12% capacity per month. There is no electrochemical performance advantage of one chemistry over the other. However, considering the important characteristic of self-discharge, Li/LiNiO/sub 2/ cells have significantly reduced self-discharge.<
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