LAUSR

Abstract Temperature conditions are significant for the crystal structure formation of prospective cathode materials, determining their further performance and cycle life. The paper presents the results of a detailed analysis of the multilayer thin films before and after heat treatment. The investigated multilayer structures consist of a two-layer system of an amorphous nickel-doped Li-O layer and a NiO·CoO layer obtained by atomic-layer deposition on Si substrate. It was shown that annealing at 800°C for 5 minutes is sufficient to form a crystalline film with energy favorable spherical-like Li-Ni-Co-O structures on the surface with a size of 50–150 nm. Chemical mapping after heat treatment using EDX showed the formation of Ni-rich (spherical-like structures) and Co-O intermediate layers. The electron energy loss spectroscopy results confirm the presence of Li in the top Ni-rich layer and are embedded in its crystalline structure. X-ray and electron diffraction showed a polycrystalline cathode structure of lithium-containing nickel and cobalt oxides.