Patent ID: 6620400
Filing Date: 2003-09-16
Classification: C01G,C01P,H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
A method of preparing a compound having a substantially single phase, hexagonal layered crystal structure and being substantially free of localized cubic spinel-like structural phases, the method comprising the steps of:heating a previously synthesized lithium metal oxide having the formula Li&agr;M&bgr;A&ggr;O2, wherein M is one or more transition metals, A is one or more dopants having an average oxidation state N such that +2.5&lE;N&lE;+3.5, 0.90&lE;&agr;&lE;1.10, &bgr;>0, &ggr;&gE;0 and &bgr;+&ggr;=1, to a temperature of at least about 600Â° C.; and cooling the heated previously synthesized lithium metal oxide at a rate of greater than 8Â° C./min.