Al-doped layered
cathode materials Li<sub>1.5–<i>x</i></sub>Al<sub><i>x</i></sub>Mn<sub>0.675</sub>Ni<sub>0.1675</sub>Co<sub>0.1675</sub>O<sub>2</sub> have been successfully synthesized
via a rapid nucleation and post-solvothermal method. The surface morphology
and crystal structures of Al-doped Li-rich materials are investigated
via scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectra,
and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. After optimization, the Li<sub>1.45</sub>Al<sub>0.05</sub>Mn<sub>0.675</sub>Ni<sub>0.1675</sub>Co<sub>0.1675</sub>O<sub>2</sub> (Al = 0.05) sample showed excellent electrochemical
performance, and the discharge capacities are 323.7 and 120 mAh g<sup>–1</sup> at a rate of 0.1 and 20 C, respectively. These improvements,
based on electrochemical performance evaluation and density functional
theory calculations, might be ascribed to the increased electron conductivity
of layered Li-rich material via Al<sup>3+</sup> ions doped into a
crystal structure
