Single crystal NMC532 from mixed hydroxide precipitate in acetic acid for stable and high discharge rate lithium-ion battery

Single-crystal NMCs have attracted significant interest due to their superior structural integrity and cycling stability in lithium-ion batteries. In this study, LiNi₀.₅Mn₀.₃Co₀.₂O₂ (NMC532) was synthesized using Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP) as a low-cost nickel source via acetic acid leaching. As a type of organic acid, acetic acid offers a greener alternative to conventional precursors. In addition, acetic acid has recyclability, low cost, and sufficient leaching efficiency, making it an attractive alternative leaching agent. The resulting material exhibits a well-ordered layered structure (R-3m), minimal cation mixing (I₀₀₃/I₁₀₄ > 1.9), and uniform single-crystal morphology with an average particle size of approximately 2 µm. Electrochemical evaluation in full cells employing graphite anodes demonstrates a high specific capacity of 118 mAh.g⁻¹ , excellent rate performance up to 3 C, and capacity retention of 82.7 % after 200 cycles. This work highlights the viability of MHP and acetic acid as sustainable precursors for high-performance single-crystal cathode materials. • Single-crystal NMC532 was synthesized using low-cost MHP and acetic acid. • Acetic acid enables green and effective leaching for Ni extraction from MHP. • The material shows a well-ordered layered structure with minimal cation mixing. • The NMC532-M delivers 118 mAh.g -1 and retains > 82 % capacity after 200 cycles. • The SC-NMC532-M exhibits stable rate performance up to 3 C in full-cell testing.