Multinary material, cathode material, and battery

Abstract

The application relates to a multi-element material, a positive electrode material and a battery, the multi-element material comprising at least two elements of Ni, Co, Mn and Al; the multi-element material is determined by using a Raman spectrum, the multi-element material has a characteristic peak in a wavelength range of 500cm ‑1 ~700cm ‑1 , the multi-element material does not have a characteristic peak in a wavelength range of 400cm ‑1 ~500cm ‑1 , or the multi-element material has a characteristic peak with the maximum intensity in the wavelength range of 400cm ‑1 ~500cm ‑1 , and the peak intensity ratio of the characteristic peak with the maximum intensity in the wavelength range of 500cm ‑1 ~700cm ‑1 is less than or equal to 0.35; in a particle size volume distribution spectrum of the multi-element material, the volume ratio of particles with a particle size less than or equal to 1 mu m in the multi-element material is B, and 5%<=B<=20%. The multi-element material can reduce a sintering temperature, reduce the formation of a crystal boundary crack, and make the positive electrode material obtained through sintering have good structural stability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of lithium battery materials technology, and more particularly to ternary materials, cathode materials, and batteries. Background Technology

[0002] Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) possess advantages such as high energy density, high power density, long cycle life, and low self-discharge, making them widely used in 3C electronic products, electric vehicles, and energy storage. Multi-component materials are one of the core components of lithium-ion batteries. Currently, in the preparation of cathode materials using multi-component materials, the lithium source needs to diffuse into the cathode material. However, in existing technologies, the diffusion resistance of the lithium source is relatively high, requiring higher sintering temperatures during the sintering process to promote the entry of lithium ions into the bulk phase. This results in significant energy loss and fails to meet increasingly stringent carbon emission requirements.

[0003] Therefore, how to provide a multi-component material with better performance is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a multi-element material, which includes at least two elements selected from Ni, Co, Mn, and Al; The multi-component material was determined by Raman spectroscopy at a wavelength of 500 cm⁻¹. -1 ~700cm -1 The range includes at least one characteristic peak, wherein the multi-element material has a wavelength of 400 cm⁻¹. -1 ~500cm -1 The material does not have characteristic peaks within the range, or the multi-element material has a wavelength of 400 cm⁻¹. -1 ~500cm -1 The characteristic peak with the highest intensity within the range is similar to that of the multi-element material at a wavelength of 500 cm⁻¹. -1 ~700cm -1 The peak intensity ratio of the characteristic peak with the highest intensity within the range is ≤0.35; The multi-component material was characterized by laser particle size distribution. The volume percentage of particles with a diameter of 1 μm or less in the multi-component material was B, and B satisfied 5% ≤ B ≤ 20%.

[0005] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a cathode material, which is prepared using the multi-element material described in the first aspect.

[0006] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a battery, the battery comprising the positive electrode material described in the second aspect or the positive electrode material prepared from the multi-element material described in the first aspect.

[0007] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of this application has at least the following beneficial effects: The applicant discovered that the multi-material satisfies the requirement at a wavelength of 500cm. -1 ~700cm -1 Characteristic peaks are present in the range of multi-element materials at a wavelength of 400 cm⁻¹. -1 ~500cm -1 Materials without characteristic peaks or multi-component materials at a wavelength of 400 cm⁻¹ -1 ~500cm -1 The characteristic peak with the highest intensity in the range is associated with multi-element materials at a wavelength of 500 cm⁻¹. -1 ~700cm -1 The peak intensity ratio of the characteristic peak with the highest intensity within the range is ≤0.35, and the volume percentage of particles with a diameter of ≤1μm is 5%≤B≤20%. This results in lower energy consumption during the preparation of the cathode material, and the sintered cathode material exhibits higher structural stability. The reason for this is not yet clear, but it is believed that the multi-element material provided in this application has good performance at a wavelength of 500cm. -1 ~700cm -1 The material exhibits a characteristic peak within a certain range, corresponding to the OMO stretching vibration peak. Here, M refers to a metallic element, including at least two of Ni, Co, Mn, and Al. The multi-element material exhibits this characteristic peak at a wavelength of 400 cm⁻¹. -1 ~500cm -1 Materials without characteristic peaks or multi-component materials at a wavelength of 400 cm⁻¹ -1 ~500cm -1 The characteristic peak with the highest intensity in the range is associated with multi-element materials at a wavelength of 500 cm⁻¹. -1 ~700cm -1 The peak intensity ratio of the characteristic peak with the highest intensity within the range is ≤0.35, 400cm. -1 ~500cm -1 The characteristic peaks within the range correspond to MO bonds, indicating that the main metal element in the multi-component material of this application mainly exists in the form of OMO bonds. Compared with multi-component materials dominated by MO bonds, during lithiation, the activation energy required to break MO bonds is relatively low compared to the high activation energy required for Li. + By coordinating and rearranging oxygen on the OMO bridge bond through open interlayer channels without breaking the framework bond, the reaction energy barrier is lower, and lithium intercalation can be completed at a lower sintering temperature. However, oxygen vacancies are easily generated during the coordination and rearrangement process, which can lead to cracks. This application controls the volume percentage of particles with a diameter of less than or equal to 1 μm in the multi-component material to be B, where B satisfies 5% ≤ B ≤ 20%. The appropriate amount of particles with a diameter of less than or equal to 1 μm can be fused to the surface of larger particles (particles with a diameter greater than 1 μm) during the high-temperature sintering of the multi-component material, reducing the formation of grain boundary cracks, thereby giving the sintered cathode material good structural stability. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0009] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the discharge state of a battery provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a SEM image of the cathode material prepared in Example 1; Figure 3 The images show the Raman spectra of the multi-component materials in Examples 1, 2, and 1. Detailed Implementation

[0010] To better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] It should be understood that the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0012] The terminology used in the embodiments of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” as used in the embodiments of this invention and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0013] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0014] In one aspect, this application provides a multi-element material, which includes at least two elements selected from Ni, Co, Mn, and Al.

[0015] Raman spectroscopy was used to determine the composition of multi-component materials at a wavelength of 500 cm⁻¹. -1 ~700cm -1 The range includes at least one characteristic peak, and the multi-element material has a wavelength of 400 cm⁻¹. -1 ~500cm -1 Materials without characteristic peaks or multi-component materials at a wavelength of 400 cm⁻¹ -1 ~500cm -1 The characteristic peak with the highest intensity in the range is associated with multi-element materials at a wavelength of 500 cm⁻¹. -1 ~700cm -1The peak intensity ratio of the characteristic peak with the highest intensity within the range is ≤0.35; in the particle size volume distribution spectrum of the multi-component material, the volume proportion of particles with a particle size of less than or equal to 1 μm in the multi-component material is B, and B satisfies 5% ≤ B ≤ 20%.

[0016] The applicant discovered that the multi-material satisfies the requirement at a wavelength of 500cm. -1 ~700cm -1 Characteristic peaks are present in the range of multi-element materials at a wavelength of 400 cm⁻¹. -1 ~500cm -1 Materials without characteristic peaks or multi-component materials at a wavelength of 400 cm⁻¹ -1 ~500cm -1 The characteristic peak with the highest intensity in the range is associated with multi-element materials at a wavelength of 500 cm⁻¹. -1 ~700cm -1 The peak intensity ratio of the characteristic peak with the highest intensity within the range is ≤0.35, and the volume percentage of particles with a diameter of ≤1μm is 5%≤B≤20%. This results in lower energy consumption during the preparation of the cathode material, and the sintered cathode material exhibits higher structural stability. The reason for this is not yet clear, but it is believed that the multi-element material provided in this application has good performance at a wavelength of 500cm. -1 ~700cm -1 The material exhibits a characteristic peak within a certain range, corresponding to the OMO stretching vibration peak. Here, M refers to a metallic element, including at least two of Ni, Co, Mn, and Al. The multi-element material exhibits this characteristic peak at a wavelength of 400 cm⁻¹. -1 ~500cm -1 The material does not have characteristic peaks within the range, or the multi-element material has a wavelength of 400 cm⁻¹. -1 ~500cm -1 The characteristic peak with the highest intensity within the range is similar to that of the multi-element material at a wavelength of 500 cm⁻¹. -1 ~700cm -1 The peak intensity ratio of the most intense characteristic peak within the range is ≤0.35, 400cm. -1 ~500cm -1 The characteristic peaks within the range correspond to MO bonds, indicating that the main metal element in the multi-component material of this application mainly exists in the form of OMO bonds. Compared with multi-component materials dominated by MO bonds, during lithiation, the activation energy required to break MO bonds is relatively low compared to the high activation energy required for Li. +By coordinating and rearranging oxygen on the OMO bridge bond through open interlayer channels without breaking the framework bond, the reaction energy barrier is lower, and lithium intercalation can be completed at a lower sintering temperature. However, oxygen vacancies are easily generated during the coordination and rearrangement process, which can lead to cracks. This application controls the volume percentage of particles with a diameter of less than or equal to 1 μm in the multi-component material to be B, where B satisfies 5% ≤ B ≤ 20%. The appropriate amount of particles with a diameter of less than or equal to 1 μm can be fused to the surface of larger particles (particles with a diameter greater than 1 μm) during the high-temperature sintering of the multi-component material, reducing the formation of grain boundary cracks, thereby giving the sintered cathode material good structural stability.

[0017] It should be noted that multi-element materials include at least two elements selected from Ni, Co, Mn, and Al. Multi-element materials can include one or more of the following: nickel-cobalt-manganese oxides, nickel-cobalt-manganese hydroxides, lithium-nickel-cobalt-manganese oxides, lithium-nickel-cobalt-manganese hydroxides, nickel-cobalt-aluminum oxides, nickel-cobalt-aluminum hydroxides, lithium-nickel-cobalt-aluminum oxides, lithium-nickel-cobalt-aluminum hydroxides, nickel-cobalt hydroxides, nickel-cobalt oxides, nickel-manganese hydroxides, and nickel-manganese oxides. Specifically, multi-element materials can be characterized by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) or intramolecular plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to determine the presence of at least two elements selected from Ni, Co, Mn, and Al. Multi-element materials can also be characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), where the XRD pattern shows that the material includes a layered α-NaFeO2 structure, a rock salt phase structure, a spinel phase structure, or a combination thereof. Multi-component materials may contain small amounts of impurities such as carbonates and hydroxides. Small amounts of impurities refer to impurities with a content of less than 20% based on the total mass of the multi-component materials.

[0018] In some embodiments, the multi-component material can be used to prepare the cathode material. In some embodiments, the multi-component material can be a cathode material precursor.

[0019] In some implementations, the multi-element material is used at a wavelength of 500 cm⁻¹ -1 ~700cm -1 The range includes at least one characteristic peak, and the multi-element material has a wavelength of 400 cm⁻¹. -1 ~500cm -1 Materials without characteristic peaks or multi-component materials at a wavelength of 400 cm⁻¹ -1 ~500cm -1 The characteristic peak with the highest intensity in the range is associated with multi-element materials at a wavelength of 500 cm⁻¹. -1 ~700cm -1 The peak intensity ratio of the most intense characteristic peak within the range is ≤0.35, and the wavelength is within 400cm.-1 ~500cm -1 The characteristic peaks within this range correspond to the MO stretching vibration peaks, with a wavelength of 500 cm⁻¹. -1 ~700cm -1 The characteristic peaks within the range correspond to the OMO stretching vibration peaks, indicating that the metal-oxygen bonds in the multi-component material mainly exist in the form of OMO. This is beneficial for reducing the energy barrier during the lithiation process of the multi-component material, resulting in a lower sintering temperature and a more complete sintering reaction during the high-temperature sintering of the multi-component material into a cathode material. Consequently, the sintered cathode material exhibits good structural stability, leading to better cycle stability and processing stability. It should be noted that in this application, OMO refers to an oxygen-metal-oxygen bridging structure, where two metal ions are bridged by a single oxygen atom.

[0020] It should be noted that, in this application, a characteristic peak in a Raman spectrum is defined as a peak whose intensity difference ΔI between the peak and its trough is ≥ 50 (in au). A characteristic peak includes a peak and troughs located on either side of the peak. A peak refers to the point of highest local intensity within the characteristic peak, i.e., the inflection point where the intensity of the characteristic peak transitions from an increase to a decrease. A trough refers to the point of lowest local intensity adjacent to the peak, i.e., the starting point of the characteristic peak's intensity increase or the ending point of its intensity decrease. The peak intensity difference refers to the absolute difference between the intensity value of the peak and the intensity value of the selected trough. The intensity difference between the peak and trough is calculated by selecting the trough with the higher intensity. If ΔI > 50, this peak is defined and counted as a characteristic peak; if ΔI < 50, this peak is ignored and not considered a valid characteristic peak.

[0021] In other embodiments, the multi-element material is used at a wavelength of 400 cm⁻¹. -1 ~500cm -1 The characteristic peak with the highest intensity in the range is associated with multi-element materials at a wavelength of 500 cm⁻¹. -1 ~700cm -1 The peak intensity ratio of the characteristic peak with the highest intensity within the range is ≤0.35. Specifically, for multi-element materials at a wavelength of 400 cm⁻¹... -1 ~500cm -1 The characteristic peak with the highest intensity in the range is associated with multi-element materials at a wavelength of 500 cm⁻¹. -1 ~700cm -1The peak intensity ratio of the characteristic peak with the highest intensity within the range is any value within the range of 0.03, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.10, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, 0.20, 0.21, 0.22, 0.23, 0.24, 0.25, 0.26, 0.27, 0.28, 0.29, 0.30, 0.31, 0.32, 0.33, 0.34, 0.35, or any combination of the above. Preferably, the multi-element material is within the range of 400 cm⁻¹. -1 ~500cm -1 The characteristic peak with the highest intensity in the range is associated with multi-element materials at a wavelength of 500 cm⁻¹. -1 ~700cm -1 The peak intensity ratio of the characteristic peak with the highest intensity within the range is ≤0.3. Preferably, the multi-element material is at a wavelength of 400 cm⁻¹. -1 ~500cm -1 The characteristic peak with the highest intensity in the range is associated with multi-element materials at a wavelength of 500 cm⁻¹. -1 ~700cm -1 The peak intensity ratio of the characteristic peak with the highest intensity within the range is ≤0.2.

[0022] In some embodiments, in the particle size distribution spectrum of the multi-component material, the volume percentage of particles with a diameter less than or equal to 1 μm in the multi-component material is B, where B satisfies 5% ≤ B ≤ 20%. Specifically, B can be 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, or any value within the range of any two of the above values. Controlling B within the above range results in higher reactivity of particles with a diameter less than or equal to 1 μm, which is beneficial for improving sintering efficiency. Simultaneously, the presence of suitable small particles in the multi-component material can fill the voids between large particles during sintering, making heat and mass transfer more uniform and the lithiation reaction more complete. Furthermore, the small particles can fuse to the surface of large particles (particles with a diameter greater than 1 μm), reducing the formation of grain boundary cracks and improving the particle uniformity and structural stability of the multi-component material. Preferably, 5% ≤ B ≤ 10%.

[0023] In some embodiments, in this application, the multi-element material is used at a wavelength of 400 cm⁻¹ -1 ~700cm -1 The range includes at least one characteristic peak, and the highest peak intensity of all characteristic peaks is located at 500 cm⁻¹. -1 ~700cm -1 Within the range. In one embodiment, the Raman spectrum of the multi-component material has a wavelength of 400 cm⁻¹. -1 ~700cm-1 There is only one characteristic peak within the range, and this characteristic peak is located at 500 cm⁻¹. -1 ~700cm -1 Within a range of 400cm -1 ~500cm -1 It does not have characteristic peaks within the range. In another embodiment, the Raman spectrum of the multi-component material has a wavelength of 400 cm⁻¹. -1 ~700cm -1 There are more than two characteristic peaks within the range, and the highest peak intensity of all characteristic peaks is located at 500 cm⁻¹. -1 ~700cm -1 Within the range.

[0024] In some embodiments, the multi-component material includes lithium hydroxide, and the mass content of lithium hydroxide is 0.2 wt% to 2.0 wt% based on the total mass of the multi-component material. Specifically, it can be 0.2 wt%, 0.5 wt%, 0.8 wt%, 1.0 wt%, 1.3 wt%, 1.5 wt%, 1.8 wt%, 2.0 wt%, or any value within the range of any two of the above values. Controlling the mass content of lithium hydroxide within the above range is beneficial for the formation of a local low-temperature eutectic phase in the multi-component material during sintering, reducing the lithium-ion migration barrier, and effectively improving the lithium-ion diffusion rate and diffusion kinetics performance.

[0025] In some embodiments, the multi-component material includes lithium carbonate, and the mass content of lithium carbonate is 5 wt% to 20 wt% based on the total mass of the multi-component material. Specifically, it can be 5 wt%, 8 wt%, 10 wt%, 13 wt%, 15 wt%, 18 wt%, 20 wt%, or any value within the range of any two of the above values. Controlling the mass content of lithium carbonate within the above range is beneficial for the formation of a local low-temperature eutectic phase in the multi-component material during sintering, reducing the lithium-ion migration barrier, and improving the lithium-ion diffusion rate and diffusion kinetics.

[0026] In some embodiments, the multi-component material includes lithium. Based on the total mass of the multi-component material, the mass content of lithium in the multi-component material is greater than or equal to 1000 ppm. Specifically, it can be any value within the range of 1000 ppm, 1100 ppm, 1200 ppm, 1300 ppm, 1400 ppm, 1500 ppm, 1600 ppm, 1700 ppm, 1800 ppm, 1900 ppm, 2000 ppm, or any two of the above values. This is beneficial for making the solid-phase reaction of the multi-component material more complete and uniform during the sintering process, making it easier to form a low-temperature eutectic phase, reducing the lithium-ion migration barrier, improving lithium-ion diffusion kinetics, and also improving the density and structural integrity of the multi-component material during the sintering process.

[0027] In some embodiments, the volume distribution particle size D of the multi-element material min Satisfies: 0.2μm≤D min ≤1.0μm, D min Specifically, the particle size D can be any value within the range of 0.2μm, 0.3μm, 0.4μm, 0.5μm, 0.6μm, 0.7μm, 0.8μm, 0.9μm, 1.0μm, or any combination of two of the above values, controlling the volume distribution particle size D of the multi-component material. min Within the aforementioned range, it is beneficial to improve the sintering activity of multi-component materials, reduce sintering energy consumption, and make the diffusion rate of lithium ions more uniform.

[0028] In some embodiments, the volume distribution particle size D of the multi-element material 50 Satisfies: 1.0μm≤D 50 ≤6.0μm, D 50 Specifically, the particle size D can be any value within the range of 1.0μm, 1.5μm, 2.0μm, 2.5μm, 3.0μm, 3.5μm, 4.0μm, 4.5μm, 5.0μm, 5.5μm, 6.0μm, or any combination of two of the above values, controlling the volume distribution particle size D of the multi-component material. 50 Within the aforementioned range, it is beneficial to stabilize the solid-phase reaction rate of multi-component materials during the sintering process and improve the overall sintering uniformity.

[0029] In some embodiments, the volume distribution particle size D of the multi-element material max Satisfy D max ≤25μm, D max Specifically, the particle size D can be any value within the range of 3μm, 5μm, 8μm, 10μm, 15μm, 18μm, 20μm, 22μm, 25μm, or any combination of two of the above values, controlling the volume distribution particle size D of the multi-element material. max Within the above range, it is beneficial to control the particle size of the largest particles of multi-component materials, reduce the diffusion resistance inside large particles during sintering, avoid local reaction lag, and improve the overall sintering uniformity.

[0030] It should be noted that the cumulative particle size distribution of the volume reference determined by the laser diffraction method, D min D represents the smallest particle size in the cumulative particle size distribution. 50 D represents the particle size at which the cumulative particle size distribution percentage reaches 50%. maxx This represents the maximum particle size value in the cumulative particle size distribution.

[0031] In some embodiments, the volumetric particle size distribution width Span(b) of the multi-component material satisfies: 0.7 ≤ Span(b) ≤ 2.0. Specifically, Span(b) can be any value within the range of 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 11, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0 or any two of the above values. By controlling the volumetric particle size distribution width Span(b) of the multi-component material within the above range, the particle size distribution of the multi-component material is appropriate, and the difference in particle size between large and small particles will not be too large. During the sintering process of the multi-component material, small particles can effectively fill the gaps between large particles to improve the compaction density, while also facilitating the fusion of particles with a particle size of less than or equal to 1 μm to the surface of large particles during the sintering process, thereby reducing the formation of grain boundary cracks in the material particles.

[0032] In some embodiments, based on the total mass of the multi-component materials, the mass content of anions in the multi-component materials is greater than or equal to 500 ppm, and the anions include SO4. 2- Cl - and NO 3- At least one of the following. The mass content of anions in the multi-component material can be 500 ppm, 600 ppm, 700 ppm, 800 ppm, 900 ppm, 1000 ppm, 1100 ppm, 1200 ppm, 1300 ppm, 1400 ppm, 1500 ppm, 1600 ppm, 1700 ppm, 1800 ppm, 1900 ppm, 2000 ppm or any value within the range of any two of the above values. Controlling the mass content of anions in the multi-component material within the above range is beneficial to reducing gas generation during the sintering process of the multi-component material, stabilizing the surface structure of the multi-component material, and improving the structural stability of the multi-component material.

[0033] In some embodiments, the multi-component material includes materials with the general chemical formula Li. x NO y The oxides, wherein 0.01≤x≤1.07, 0.95≤y≤1.5, and N includes at least two of Ni, Co, Mn, and Al. Specifically, the value of x can be any value within the range of 0.01, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.05, 1.07, or any two values ​​from the above ranges. The value of y can be any value within the range of 0.95, 0.98, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, or any two values ​​from the above ranges.

[0034] In some embodiments, the multi-component material includes materials with the general chemical formula Li. x N a Mb O y The oxides are defined as follows: 0.01 ≤ x ≤ 1.07, 0.9 ≤ a ≤ 1, 0 ≤ b ≤ 0.1, a + b = 1, 0.95 ≤ y ≤ 1.5. N includes at least two of Ni, Co, Mn, and Al, and M includes at least one of Ti, Zr, Y, Mg, K, Na, Sr, Sn, W, Nb, and Sb. Specifically, the value of x can be 0.01, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.05, 1.07, or any value within the range of any two values ​​listed above. The value of y can be 0.95, 0.98, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, or any value within the range of any two values ​​listed above. The value of 'a' can be 0.9, 0.91, 0.92, 0.93, 0.94, 0.95, 0.96, 0.97, 0.98, 0.99, 1, or any value within the range of any two values ​​listed above. The value of 'b' can be 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, or any value within the range of any two values ​​listed above.

[0035] In some embodiments, the multi-component material includes materials with the general chemical formula Li. x Ni a1 Co a2 Mn a3 O y For the oxides, 0.01≤x≤1.07, 0.6≤a1<1.0, 0≤a2≤0.3, 0≤a3≤0.3, a1+a2+a3=1, 0.95≤y≤1.5. Specifically, the value of x can be 0.01, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.05, 1.07, or any value within any two of the above ranges. The value of y can be 0.95, 0.98, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, or any value within any two of the above ranges. The value of a1 can be 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 0.95, 0.99, or any value within any two of the above ranges. The value of a2 can be 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, or any value within the range of any two values ​​listed above. The value of a3 can be 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, or any value within the range of any two values ​​listed above.

[0036] In some embodiments, the multi-component material includes materials with the general chemical formula Li.x Ni a1 Co a2 Mn a3 M b O y The oxides, 0.01≤x≤1.07, 0.4≤a1<1, 0≤a2≤0.3, 0≤a3≤0.3, 0≤b≤0.1, a1+a2+a3+b=1, 0.95≤y≤1.5, and M includes at least one of Ti, Zr, Y, Mg, K, Na, Sr, Sn, W, Nb, and Sb. Specifically, the value of x can be 0.01, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.05, 1.07, or any value within any two of the above ranges. The value of y can be 0.95, 0.98, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, or any value within any two of the above ranges. The value of a1 can be 0.4, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 0.95, 0.99, or any value within the range of any two values ​​listed above. The value of a2 can be 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, or any value within the range of any two values ​​listed above. The value of a3 can be 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, or any value within the range of any two values ​​listed above. The value of b can be 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, or any value within the range of any two values ​​listed above.

[0037] It should be noted that, in this application, the chemical formula or general chemical formula refers to the listed metal elements (such as Ni, Co, Mn) and their molar ratios in the compound, where the molar ratios (such as a, b, c) are the ratios of the element molar contents obtained based on material measurements. The actual molar contents of each element in a multi-element material can be determined using standard quantitative analytical methods recognized in the art, such as inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The O element in the chemical formula is calculated based on the charge balance of the aforementioned metal elements.

[0038] In some embodiments, mass spectrometry is used to determine the mass content of the multi-component material, based on the total mass of the multi-component material, where the mass content of Ni in the multi-component material is 30 wt% to 50 wt%. Specifically, the mass content of Ni can be 30 wt%, 35 wt%, 40 wt%, 45 wt%, 50 wt%, or any value within any two of the above ranges.

[0039] In some implementations, mass spectrometry is used to determine the content of Co in the multi-element material, based on the total mass of the multi-element material, which is 1 wt% to 15 wt%. Specifically, the mass content of Co can be 1 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt%, or any value within any two of the above ranges.

[0040] In some embodiments, mass spectrometry is used to determine the content of Mn in the multi-component material, based on the total mass of the multi-component material, and the mass content of Mn in the multi-component material is 10 wt% to 20 wt%. Specifically, the mass content of Mn can be 10 wt%, 12 wt%, 15 wt%, 18 wt%, 20 wt%, or any value within any two of the above ranges.

[0041] In some embodiments, mass spectrometry is used to determine the total mass content of the multi-component material, based on the total mass of the multi-component material. The total mass content of Ni, Co, and Mn in the multi-component material is 60 wt% to 90 wt%. Specifically, the total content of Ni, Co, and Mn can be 60 wt%, 65 wt%, 70 wt%, 75 wt%, 80 wt%, 85 wt%, 90 wt%, or any value within any two of the above ranges.

[0042] In some embodiments, the mass content of element M is 500 ppm to 10000 ppm based on the total mass of the multi-component material. Specifically, the mass content of element M can be any value within the range of 500 ppm, 1000 ppm, 2000 ppm, 3000 ppm, 4000 ppm, 5000 ppm, 6000 ppm, 7000 ppm, 8000 ppm, 9000 ppm, 10000 ppm, or any combination of the above values. It should be noted that the presence of an appropriate amount of element M in the multi-component material helps to reduce the diffusion barrier of lithium ions and improve the sintering efficiency of the multi-component material.

[0043] In some implementations, the specific surface area of ​​the multi-element material is greater than or equal to 2.0 m². 2 / g, specifically 2.0 2 / g, 2.3m 2 / g, 2.5m 2 / g, 2.8m 2 / g, 3.0m 2 / g, 3.2m 2 / g, 3.5m 2 / g、4m 2 / g, 4.0 m 2 / g, 5.0 m 2 / g, 6.0 m 2 / g, 7.0 m 2 / g、8.0 m 2 / g, 9.0 m 2 / g, 10.0 m 2 / g, 11.0 m 2 / g, 12.0 m 2 / g or any value within the range of any two values ​​above. By controlling the specific surface area of ​​the multi-component material within the above-defined range, the cathode material prepared from the multi-component material can exhibit higher capacity, rate performance, cycle stability, and lower gas production.

[0044] In some embodiments, the pH of the multi-element material is 10 to 14, specifically it can be any value within the range of 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14 or any two of the above ranges.

[0045] In some embodiments, the bulk density of the multi-component material is 0.3 g / cm³. 3 ~1.2g / cm 3 Specifically, it could be 0.3g / cm³. 3 0.4g / cm 3 0.5g / cm 3 0.6g / cm 3 0.7g / cm 3 0.8g / cm 3 0.9g / cm 3 1.0 g / cm 3 1.1 g / cm 3 1.2 g / cm 3 Or any value within the range formed by any two of the above values. Controlling the loose packing density of the multi-element material within the above range is beneficial to improving the processing performance of the material and enhancing the structural stability of the sintered cathode material.

[0046] Secondly, this application provides a method for preparing the above-mentioned multi-element material, comprising the following steps: Step S10: A mixture of a salt solution containing nitrogen element, a precipitant solution, and a pH adjuster is subjected to a co-precipitation reaction under stirring to obtain a precursor solution. The precursor solution is then subjected to solid-liquid separation to obtain a solidified material. The nitrogen element includes at least two of Ni, Co, Mn, and Al. The precipitant solution is a sodium hydroxide solution or potassium hydroxide solution with a concentration of 0.5 mol / L to 6 mol / L. The pH adjuster has a concentration of 2.0 mol / L to 5.0 mol / L. The pH of the co-precipitation reaction is 11.0 to 13.5. The temperature of the co-precipitation reaction is 50℃ to 70℃. The stirring speed is 500 rpm to 3000 rpm. The co-precipitation reaction time is 3 h to 15 h. Step S20: After mixing the curing material and the lithium source, stir to obtain the first slurry. The molar ratio of lithium element in the lithium source to N element in the curing material is (0.01~1.07):1. The concentration of the lithium source is 0.5mol / L~3.0mol / L. The stirring speed is 500rpm~3000rpm. The stirring time is 10min~120min. Step S30: The first slurry is subjected to solid-liquid separation, and solvent is added to the obtained solid to obtain a second slurry with a solid content of 5% to 50%. Step S40: The second slurry is subjected to spray freeze-drying and sublimation drying to obtain the precursor; Step S50: The precursor is ball-milled and heat-treated once to obtain a multi-element material. The multi-element material is then heat-treated to obtain a cathode material. The atmosphere of the first heat treatment is a mixed atmosphere of oxygen, methane and water vapor. The temperature of the first heat treatment is 300℃~700℃ and the time of the first heat treatment is 3h~10h.

[0047] This application involves a co-precipitation reaction of a mixture containing a nitrogen-containing salt solution, a precipitant solution, and a pH adjuster to obtain a precursor solution, followed by solid-liquid separation to obtain a solidified material. By controlling the nitrogen element to include at least two of Ni, Co, Mn, and Al, the precipitant solution to be a sodium hydroxide solution or potassium hydroxide solution with a concentration of 0.5 mol / L to 6 mol / L, the pH adjuster concentration to be 2.0 mol / L to 5.0 mol / L, the pH of the co-precipitation reaction to be 11.0 to 13.5, the temperature of the co-precipitation reaction to be 50℃ to 70℃, the stirring speed to be 50 rpm to 400 rpm, and the co-precipitation reaction time to be 0.5 h to 3 h, it is beneficial to reduce the crystal nucleus size of the hydroxide prepared by the co-precipitation reaction, reduce the formation of large crystal nuclei, and at the same time help to promote the formation of O-Me-O bond networks in the multi-component material in a highly ordered and uniform manner in subsequent steps.

[0048] During the spray freeze-drying process, the liquid on the droplet surface rapidly freezes to form spherical ice phase particles, which helps maintain the proportion of particles with a diameter of less than or equal to 1 μm in the multi-component material formed during the co-precipitation process. Ball milling of the precursor helps further control the proportion of particles with a diameter of less than or equal to 1 μm in the multi-component material. A second heat treatment is then performed to obtain the multi-component material. The atmosphere for the first heat treatment is a mixed atmosphere of oxygen, methane, and water vapor, the temperature is 400℃~600℃, and the holding time is 1h~5h. By controlling the atmosphere, temperature, and holding time of the first heat treatment, it is beneficial to remove hydroxyl and MO bonds from the material, allowing the prepared multi-component material to be viewed at a wavelength of 500cm. -1 ~700cm -1It has a characteristic peak within the range, at a wavelength of 400 cm⁻¹ -1 ~500cm -1 The range does not have characteristic peaks; in the particle size volume distribution spectrum of the multi-element material, the volume ratio of particles with a particle size less than or equal to 1 μm in the multi-element material is B, and B satisfies 5% ≤ B ≤ 20%. The multi-element material has lower energy consumption in the process of preparing the cathode material, and the cathode material obtained by sintering has higher structural stability.

[0049] The preparation method of the multi-component materials of this application is described in detail below.

[0050] Step S10: A mixture of a salt solution containing nitrogen, a precipitant solution, and a pH adjuster is subjected to a co-precipitation reaction under stirring to obtain a precursor solution. The precursor solution is then subjected to solid-liquid separation to obtain a solidified material. The concentration of the pH adjuster is 2.0 mol / L to 5.0 mol / L, the pH of the co-precipitation reaction is 11.0 to 13.5, the temperature of the co-precipitation reaction is 50℃ to 70℃, the stirring speed is 50 rpm to 400 rpm, and the co-precipitation reaction time is 3 h to 15 h.

[0051] In some embodiments, the nitrogen element includes at least two of Ni, Co, Mn, and Al. In some embodiments, the nitrogen salt solution includes a nickel salt solution, a cobalt salt solution, and a manganese salt solution, wherein the molar ratio between the nickel salt solution, the cobalt salt solution, and the manganese salt solution is according to the general chemical formula Li x Ni a1 Co a2 Mn a3 O b The ratio of nickel, cobalt, and manganese is provided by providing nickel salt solutions, cobalt salt solutions, and manganese salt solutions, where 0.6 ≤ a1 < 1.0, 0 ≤ a2 ≤ 0.3, and 0 ≤ a3 ≤ 0.3 are determined. The molar ratio of Ni:Co:Mn can specifically be 0.60:0.10:0.30, 0.67:0.05:0.28, 0.70:0.08:0.22, 0.75:0.10:0.15, 0.82:0.08:0.10, 0.88:0.06:0.06, 0.90:0.5:0.05, or 0.95:0.02:0.03, etc.

[0052] In some embodiments, the nickel salt solution includes at least one of nickel nitrate, nickel sulfate, and nickel chloride.

[0053] In some embodiments, the cobalt salt solution includes at least one of cobalt nitrate, cobalt chloride, and cobalt sulfate.

[0054] In some embodiments, the manganese salt solution includes at least one of manganese nitrate, manganese sulfate, and manganese chloride.

[0055] In some embodiments, the aluminum salt solution includes at least one of aluminum nitrate, aluminum sulfate, and aluminum chloride.

[0056] In some embodiments, the concentration of the nickel salt solution is 1.0 mol / L to 5 mol / L, specifically 1.0 mol / L, 1.5 mol / L, 2.0 mol / L, 2.5 mol / L, 3.0 mol / L, 3.5 mol / L, 4.0 mol / L, 4.5 mol / L, 5 mol / L, or any two of the above values, and is not limited here.

[0057] In some embodiments, the concentration of the cobalt salt solution is 1.0 mol / L to 5 mol / L, specifically 1.0 mol / L, 1.5 mol / L, 2.0 mol / L, 2.5 mol / L, 3.0 mol / L, 3.5 mol / L, 4.0 mol / L, 4.5 mol / L, 5 mol / L, or any two of the above values, and is not limited here.

[0058] In some embodiments, the concentration of the manganese salt solution is 1.0 mol / L to 5 mol / L, specifically 1.0 mol / L, 1.5 mol / L, 2.0 mol / L, 2.5 mol / L, 3.0 mol / L, 3.5 mol / L, 4.0 mol / L, 4.5 mol / L, 5 mol / L, or any two of the above values, and is not limited here.

[0059] In some embodiments, the concentration of the aluminum salt solution is 1.0 mol / L to 5 mol / L, specifically 1.0 mol / L, 1.5 mol / L, 2.0 mol / L, 2.5 mol / L, 3.0 mol / L, 3.5 mol / L, 4.0 mol / L, 4.5 mol / L, 5 mol / L, or any two of the above values, and is not limited here.

[0060] In some embodiments, in step S10, a compound containing element M may also be added. Specifically, it may be a nitrate containing element M, a hydrochloride containing element M, an acid containing element M, etc., which is not limited here. Based on the total mass of element N, the amount of element M added is 500ppm to 10000ppm, specifically 500ppm, 800ppm, 1000ppm, 2000ppm, 3000ppm, 4000ppm, 5000ppm, 6000ppm, 7000ppm, 8000ppm, 9000ppm, 10000ppm or any combination of the above.

[0061] In some embodiments, the element M includes at least one selected from Ti, Zr, Mg, Sr, Ba, Ca, Nb, W, Sb, Ta, Sn, W, Nb, and Y.

[0062] In some embodiments, the pH adjuster includes an ammonia solution, which can be obtained by diluting a concentrated ammonia solution with a concentration of 25% to 28% with deionized water.

[0063] In some embodiments, the concentration of the pH adjuster is 2.0 mol / L to 5.0 mol / L, specifically any value within the range of 2.0 mol / L, 2.5 mol / L, 3.0 mol / L, 3.5 mol / L, 4.0 mol / L, 4.5 mol / L, 5.0 mol / L, or any two of the above values. No limitation is made here. Controlling the concentration of the pH adjuster within the above range is beneficial for controlling the nucleation rate and supersaturation of the nitrogen salt solution, stabilizing the morphology and particle size of the crystal nuclei, facilitating the acquisition of small-diameter crystal nuclei, and inhibiting excessive growth of crystal nuclei.

[0064] In some embodiments, the precipitant solution is a sodium hydroxide solution or a potassium hydroxide solution with a concentration of 0.5 mol / L to 6 mol / L.

[0065] In some embodiments, the coprecipitation reaction is carried out in a constant-temperature continuous stirred tank reactor. The temperature of the coprecipitation reaction is 50℃~70℃, specifically 50℃, 53℃, 55℃, 58℃, 60℃, 65℃, 68℃, 70℃, or any value within the range of any two of the above values, and is not limited herein. Controlling the temperature of the coprecipitation reaction within the above range, a relatively low temperature, is beneficial for reducing the crystal growth rate, inhibiting grain coarsening, and promoting the formation of fine grains.

[0066] In some embodiments, the stirring rate of the coprecipitation reaction is 500 rpm to 3000 rpm, specifically any value within the range of 500 rpm, 800 rpm, 1000 rpm, 1200 rpm, 1500 rpm, 1800 rpm, 2000 rpm, 2500 rpm, 2800 rpm, 3000 rpm, or any two of the above values, and is not limited herein. Controlling the stirring rate of the coprecipitation reaction within the above range is beneficial to improving the uniformity of the coprecipitation reaction, avoiding excessively high or low local supersaturation, reducing particle agglomeration and abnormal grain growth, and resulting in uniform nucleation, fine grains, and good dispersibility.

[0067] In some embodiments, the pH of the coprecipitation reaction is 11.0 to 13.5, specifically any value within the range of 11.0, 11.3, 11.5, 11.8, 12.0, 12.2, 12.5, 12.8, 13.0, 13.2, 13.5, or any two of the above values, and is not limited thereto. Controlling the pH of the coprecipitation reaction within the above range is beneficial for controlling the nucleation rate and supersaturation of the N element salt solution, stabilizing the morphology and particle size of the crystal nuclei, obtaining small-sized crystal nuclei, and inhibiting excessive growth of crystal nuclei.

[0068] In some embodiments, the coprecipitation reaction time is 0.5 h to 3 h, specifically 0.5 h, 1 h, 1.5 h, 2 h, 2.5 h, 3 h, or any value within the range of any two of the above values, and is not limited here. Controlling the coprecipitation reaction time within the above range, a shorter coprecipitation reaction time is beneficial for promoting the rapid entry of the nitrogen-containing salt solution into the aging or post-treatment stage after a large number of nucleations, avoiding prolonged high-temperature growth of grains and ensuring fine and uniform grains.

[0069] In some embodiments, the solid content of the mixture during the co-precipitation reaction is 5 g / L to 50 g / L, specifically it can be 5 g / L, 10 g / L, 15 g / L, 20 g / L, 25 g / L, 30 g / L, 35 g / L, 40 g / L, 45 g / L, 50 g / L or any value within the range of any two of the above values, and is not limited here.

[0070] This application controls the coprecipitation reaction conditions to rapidly and abundantly generate ternary hydroxide crystal nuclei with a particle size of 50nm~100nm, rather than growing into large particles.

[0071] Step S20: After mixing the curing material and the lithium source, stir to obtain the first slurry. The molar ratio of lithium element in the lithium source to N element in the curing material is (0.01~1.07):1. The stirring speed is 500rpm~3000rpm and the stirring time is 10min~120min.

[0072] In some embodiments, the lithium source includes at least one selected from lithium carbonate, lithium hydroxide, lithium acetate, lithium sulfate, lithium chloride, lithium nitrate, and lithium oxalate. Adding the lithium source after the co-precipitation reaction stage in this application facilitates uniform mixing of lithium and nitrogen in the solidified material, reduces the activation energy of subsequent sintering reactions, and lowers the sintering temperature.

[0073] In some embodiments, the molar ratio of lithium in the lithium source to nitrogen in the solidified material is (0.01~1.07):1, specifically 0.01:1, 0.05:1, 0.10:1, 0.50:1, 0.80:1, 1.00:1, 1.05:1, 1.07:1, or any value within the range of any two of the above values, and is not limited herein. Controlling the molar ratio of lithium in the lithium source to nitrogen in the solidified material within the above range can provide a suitable lithium source, which is conducive to the uniform mixing of lithium source and hydroxide crystal nuclei, reduces local enrichment of lithium source, and is beneficial to the full lithiation of the prepared multi-element material during high-temperature sintering.

[0074] In some embodiments, the concentration of the lithium source is 0.5 mol / L to 3.0 mol / L, specifically any value within the range of 0.5 mol / L, 1.0 mol / L, 1.5 mol / L, 2.0 mol / L, 2.5 mol / L, 3.0 mol / L, or any two of the above values. No limitation is made here. Controlling the lithium source concentration within the above range is beneficial for promoting the mixing of the solidified material and the lithium source to form material particles of suitable size.

[0075] In some embodiments, the stirring speed is 500 rpm to 3000 rpm, specifically 500 rpm, 800 rpm, 1000 rpm, 1400 rpm, 1700 rpm, 2000 rpm, 2300 rpm, 2500 rpm, 2800 rpm, 3000 rpm, or any value within the range of any two of the above values, and is not limited here.

[0076] In some embodiments, the stirring time is 10 min to 120 min, specifically it can be 10 min, 20 min, 30 min, 40 min, 50 min, 60 min, 70 min, 80 min, 90 min, 100 min, 110 min, 120 min or any value within the range of any two of the above values, and is not limited here.

[0077] Controlling the stirring speed and time within the above range is beneficial for the thorough mixing of the lithium source and the solidified material, and improves the uniformity of lithium source dispersion.

[0078] Step S30: The first slurry is subjected to solid-liquid separation, and solvent is added to the obtained solid to obtain a second slurry with a solid content of 5% to 50%.

[0079] In some implementations, solid-liquid separation methods include, but are not limited to, filtration and sedimentation.

[0080] In some embodiments, the solid-liquid separation is followed by a washing step to remove soluble impurities such as salt and ammonia from the first slurry.

[0081] In some embodiments, the washing temperature is 4°C to 30°C, specifically 4°C, 10°C, 15°C, 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, or any value within the range of any two of the above values, and is not limited here.

[0082] In some embodiments, the solvent includes at least one of deionized water and ethanol. Preferably, the solvent includes a mixed solvent of deionized water and ethanol in a volume ratio of (0.5~5):1.

[0083] In some embodiments, the solid content of the second slurry is 5% to 50%, specifically it can be 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, or any value within the range of any two of the above values, and is not limited here. Controlling the solid content of the second slurry within the above range is beneficial to improving the fluidity of the slurry.

[0084] In step S40, the second slurry is subjected to spray freeze-drying and sublimation drying to obtain the precursor.

[0085] In some embodiments, spray freeze drying is carried out in a liquid nitrogen atmosphere, where the boiling point of liquid nitrogen at atmospheric pressure is -196°C. At this temperature, the material in the second slurry is rapidly frozen upon contact with the liquid nitrogen, forming micron-sized particles.

[0086] In some embodiments, the spray flow rate for spray freeze drying is 0.2 m. 3 / h~10m 3 / h, specifically 0.2m 3 / h, 0.5 m 3 / h、1 m 3 / h、2 m 3 / h、3 m 3 / h、4 m 3 / h、5 m 3 / h、6 m 3 / h、7 m 3 / h、8 m 3 / h、9 m 3 / h, 10m 3 / h or any value within the range of any two of the above values, without any limitation.

[0087] In some embodiments, the sublimation drying pressure is 1 Pa to 50 Pa, specifically it can be any value within the range of 1 Pa, 5 Pa, 10 Pa, 20 Pa, 30 Pa, 40 Pa, 50 Pa or any two of the above values, and is not limited here.

[0088] In some embodiments, the sublimation drying temperature is -100℃ to 0℃, specifically -100℃, -90℃, -80℃, -70℃, -60℃, -50℃, -40℃, -30℃, -20℃, -10℃, 0℃, or any value within the range of any two of the above values, and is not limited here.

[0089] Controlling the pressure and temperature of sublimation drying within the above range helps to obtain precursor particles with complete structure. The crystal nuclei and lithium source are evenly distributed in the precursor particles. In the subsequent sintering process of the precursor particles, it is beneficial to the decomposition of the lithium source and the uniform infiltration of the lithium source decomposition products into the hydroxide crystal nuclei.

[0090] Step S50: The precursor is ball-milled and heat-treated once to obtain a multi-element material. The multi-element material is then heat-treated to obtain a cathode material. The atmosphere of the first heat treatment is a mixed atmosphere of oxygen, methane and water vapor. The temperature of the first heat treatment is 300℃~700℃. The holding time of the first heat treatment is 3h~10h.

[0091] In some implementations, the ball milling process may employ a planetary ball mill, and the ball milling may be dry or wet.

[0092] In some embodiments, the ball milling speed is 50 rpm to 400 rpm, specifically 50 rpm, 100 rpm, 130 rpm, 150 rpm, 180 rpm, 200 rpm, 220 rpm, 250 rpm, 270 rpm, 300 rpm, 350 rpm, 400 rpm, or any value within the range of any two of the above values, and is not limited here.

[0093] In some embodiments, the ball milling time is 5 min to 30 min, specifically 5 min, 10 min, 15 min, 20 min, 25 min, 30 min or any value within the range of any two of the above values, and is not limited here.

[0094] In some embodiments, the ball-to-material ratio in the ball milling process is (1.5 to 2):1, specifically it can be 1.5:1, 1.6:1, 1.7:1, 1.8:1, 1.9:1, 2:1 or any value within the range of any two of the above values, and is not limited here.

[0095] In some embodiments, the grinding balls used in the ball milling process include at least one of zirconia balls, agate balls, and stainless steel balls.

[0096] Controlling the rotation speed, time, ball-to-material ratio, and number of grinding balls within the above-mentioned limits is beneficial for the refinement, homogenization, and activation of precursor particles, breaking up agglomerates, reducing particle size, and increasing specific surface area, resulting in more uniform mixing of components and enhancing the sintering activity of the material.

[0097] In some embodiments, the atmosphere for the primary heat treatment is a mixed atmosphere of oxygen, methane, and water vapor. In some embodiments, based on the total volume of the mixed atmosphere of O2, CH4, and H2O, the volume percentage of O2 is 20% to 100%; the volume percentage of CH4 is 0% to 50%; and the volume percentage of H2O is 0% to 30%. Specifically, the volume percentages of O2, CH4, and H2O can be 85:10:5, 80:10:10, 75:20:5, 70:20:10, etc.

[0098] In some embodiments, the temperature of a single heat treatment is 300°C to 700°C, specifically 300°C, 350°C, 400°C, 450°C, 500°C, 550°C, 600°C, 650°C, 700°C, or any value within the range of any two of the above values, and is not limited here.

[0099] In some implementations, the heat treatment holding time is 3h to 10h, specifically 3h, 4h, 5h, 6h, 7h, 8h, 9h, 10h or any value within the range of any two of the above values, and is not limited here.

[0100] Controlling the temperature and holding time of the first heat treatment within the above range is beneficial in two ways. First, it helps to promote the full dispersion and uniform distribution of the lithium source in the precursor, so that the multi-component material has a certain residual alkali. Second, it helps to remove adsorbed water and residual moisture in the system, improve the sintering activity of the material, and facilitate the orderly growth of the crystal lattice and the formation of a structurally regular multi-component material during the subsequent high-temperature sintering process.

[0101] In some embodiments, the temperature of the secondary heat treatment is 500℃~1000℃, specifically 500℃, 600℃, 700℃, 800℃, 900℃, 1000℃, or any two of the above values, and is not limited thereto. By controlling the temperature of the secondary heat treatment within the above range, the lithium source can slowly decompose and diffuse, uniformly penetrating into the surface layer and micropores of the material obtained from the primary heat treatment, which is beneficial for forming a uniformly distributed lithium-rich layer.

[0102] In some embodiments, the heating rate of the secondary heat treatment is 0.5℃ / min to 3℃ / min, specifically within the range of 0.5℃ / min, 1℃ / min, 1.5℃ / min, 2℃ / min, 2.5℃ / min, 3℃ / min or any two of the above values, and is not limited here.

[0103] In some implementations, the holding time for the secondary heat treatment is 5h to 10h, specifically 5h, 6h, 7h, 8h, 9h, 10h or any two of the above values, and is not limited here.

[0104] In some embodiments, the secondary heat treatment is carried out in an oxygen-containing atmosphere, such as an oxygen atmosphere or an air atmosphere.

[0105] In some embodiments, the secondary heat treatment further includes a step of pulverizing the material obtained from the secondary heat treatment.

[0106] In some embodiments, the crushing method includes at least one of grinding, roller milling, plow-type agitator / crusher, and air jet mill.

[0107] In some embodiments, the secondary heat treatment further includes the steps of sieving and demagnetizing the material obtained from the secondary heat treatment.

[0108] Those skilled in the art will understand that, without departing from the core technical concept disclosed in this application, any process capable of preparing multi-component materials with the same or similar composition, structure, and function falls within the scope of this application. For example, in addition to the spray pyrolysis method described in detail herein, co-precipitation, sol-gel, hydrothermal / solvothermal, solid-state sintering, electrospinning, or derivative processes of any combination thereof can all be used to prepare the multi-component materials of this application.

[0109] Thirdly, embodiments of this application also provide a cathode material, which is the cathode material prepared from the multi-element material prepared by the above preparation method.

[0110] The cathode material prepared by this application using multi-element materials has good structural stability, can effectively reduce the crack rate, improve particle strength, and has good cycle stability and rate performance.

[0111] Fourthly, this application provides a battery comprising the positive electrode material described in the third aspect above or a positive electrode material prepared from a multi-element material prepared according to the above preparation method.

[0112] The battery provided in this application can be a secondary battery (such as a lithium-ion battery, sodium-ion battery, etc.), including a casing, electrode assembly, and electrolyte. Both the electrode assembly and electrolyte are located inside the casing. The casing can be a packaging bag sealed with an encapsulating film (such as an aluminum-plastic film), such as a pouch battery for secondary batteries.

[0113] In other embodiments, the secondary battery may also be a steel-cased battery, an aluminum-cased battery, etc.

[0114] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the discharge state of the battery provided in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the battery includes a casing and an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly includes a positive electrode 1, a negative electrode 2, and a separator 3, with the separator 3 disposed between the positive electrode 1 and the negative electrode 2. The electrode assembly can be a stacked structure, formed by alternating layers of the positive electrode 1, the separator 3, and the negative electrode 2.

[0115] In other embodiments, the electrode assembly can also be a wound structure, which is formed by sequentially stacking and winding a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode.

[0116] In some embodiments, the positive electrode 1 includes a positive current collector 101 and a positive active material layer 102 disposed on at least one surface of the positive current collector 101.

[0117] In some embodiments, the positive electrode current collector 101 can be aluminum foil or nickel foil, or any composite current collector disclosed in the prior art, such as, but not limited to, the current collector formed by combining the aforementioned conductive foil (aluminum foil or nickel foil, etc.) and the polymer substrate. The positive electrode active material layer 102 comprises a positive electrode active material, a conductive agent, and a binder, wherein the positive electrode active material is the positive electrode material of the first aspect described above or a positive electrode material prepared according to the above-described method for preparing the positive electrode material.

[0118] In some embodiments, the negative electrode 2 includes a negative electrode current collector 201 and a negative electrode active material layer 202 disposed on at least one surface of the negative electrode current collector.

[0119] In some embodiments, the negative electrode current collector 201 may be at least one of copper foil, nickel foil, stainless steel foil, titanium foil or carbon-based current collector, or any composite current collector disclosed in the prior art, such as, but not limited to, the current collector formed by combining the aforementioned conductive foil and polymer substrate.

[0120] In some embodiments, the negative electrode active material layer 202 includes a negative electrode material, which includes, but is not limited to, artificial graphite, natural graphite, soft carbon, hard carbon, silicon-based materials, tin-based materials, and lithium titanate. The silicon-based material may be selected from at least one of elemental silicon, silicon oxide compounds, silicon-carbon composites, silicon-nitrogen composites, and silicon alloys. The tin-based material may be selected from at least one of elemental tin, tin oxide compounds, and tin alloys. However, this application is not limited to these materials, and other conventional materials that can be used as negative electrode active materials in batteries may also be used. These negative electrode active materials may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0121] The battery provided in this application has the advantages of high capacity, high initial efficiency, long cycle life, excellent rate performance, and low expansion. The battery can be a lithium-ion battery, a sodium-ion battery, a solid-state electrolyte battery, etc., and is not limited thereto.

[0122] Example 1 (1) Dissolve Ni(NO3)2, Co(NO3)2, and Mn(NO3)2 in deionized water at a molar ratio of 75:10:15 to prepare a salt solution with a concentration of 2.5 mol / L, denoted as Solution I. Dissolve NaOH in deionized water to prepare a sodium hydroxide solution with a concentration of 3.5 mol / L, denoted as Solution II. Dissolve concentrated ammonia (NH3·H2O, concentration 25%~28%) in deionized water to prepare an ammonia solution with a concentration of 3.0 mol / L, denoted as Solution III.

[0123] (2) Add solution I and solution II to the constant temperature continuous stirring reactor at the same time. The flow rate of solution I and solution II is 50 ml / h. The reaction temperature is controlled at 60℃ and the stirring rate is 1000 rpm. 15 min after adding solution I and solution II, add solution III and adjust the pH of the solution in the constant temperature continuous stirring reactor to 12.1±0.1. 12 h after adding solution III, discharge the mixture in the constant temperature continuous stirring reactor. After collecting the mixture, filter it. The solid obtained by filtration is the solidified material.

[0124] (3) Place the curing material and lithium hydroxide solution in a mixing tank equipped with a high-speed stirrer (stirring speed of 1500 rpm). The molar ratio of the sum of Ni, Co and Mn elements in the curing material to the lithium element in the lithium hydroxide solution is 1.05:1. The concentration of the lithium hydroxide solution is 2 mol / L. The stirring time is 45 min to obtain the first slurry.

[0125] (4) The first slurry is vacuum filtered and washed to obtain a filter cake. Deionized water is then added to the filter cake for dispersion treatment to obtain a second slurry with a solid content of 15%.

[0126] (5) The second slurry is sprayed out through an ultrasonic atomizing nozzle. The material sprayed out of the nozzle comes into contact with liquid nitrogen, so that the material in the second slurry forms particles. The particles are transferred to a freeze dryer, and the vacuum degree is controlled at 5 Pa, the temperature at -50℃, and the drying time is 24 h to obtain the precursor.

[0127] (6) Add the precursor and anhydrous ethanol into a planetary ball mill, control the rotation speed at 200 rpm, the time at 15 min, the ball-to-material ratio at 2:1, and the proportion of anhydrous ethanol in the total mass of the precursor and anhydrous ethanol at 10%, and granulate by ball milling; subject the granulated powder to a first heat treatment to obtain a multi-element material, wherein the temperature of the first heat treatment is 400 ℃, the sintering time is 3 h, and the sintering atmosphere is a mixed atmosphere of 85% O2, 10% CH4, and 5% H2O; subject the multi-element material to a second heat treatment, wherein the temperature of the second heat treatment is 890 ℃, the sintering time is 8 h, and the cathode material is obtained.

[0128] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cathode material prepared in Example 1, as shown below. Figure 2 It can be seen that the cathode material has less particle agglomeration, better dispersion, and fewer particle cracks.

[0129] Example 2 Unlike Example 1, (1) Dissolve Ni(NO3)2, Co(NO3)2, and Mn(NO3)2 in deionized water at a molar ratio of 75:10:15 to prepare a salt solution with a concentration of 2.5 mol / L, denoted as Solution I. Dissolve NaOH in deionized water to prepare a sodium hydroxide solution with a concentration of 3.5 mol / L, denoted as Solution II. Dissolve concentrated ammonia (NH3·H2O, concentration 25%~28%) in deionized water to prepare an ammonia solution with a concentration of 5 mol / L, denoted as Solution III.

[0130] (2) Add solution I and solution II to the constant temperature continuous stirring reactor at the same time. The flow rate of solution I and solution II is 50 ml / h. Control the reaction temperature at 70℃ and the stirring rate at 2000 rpm. After 15 min of introducing solution I and solution II, add solution III and adjust the pH of the solution in the constant temperature continuous stirring reactor to 12.1±0.1. After adding solution III for 12 h, discharge the mixture in the constant temperature continuous stirring reactor. After collecting the mixture, filter it. The solid obtained by filtration is the solidified material.

[0131] (3) Place the curing material and lithium hydroxide solution in a mixing tank equipped with a high-speed stirrer (stirring speed of 1500 rpm). The molar ratio of the sum of Ni, Co and Mn elements in the curing material to the lithium element in the lithium hydroxide solution is 1.05:1. The concentration of the lithium hydroxide solution is 0.5 mol / L. The stirring time is 30 min to obtain the first slurry.

[0132] (4) The first slurry is vacuum filtered and washed to obtain a filter cake. Then, deionization is added to the filter cake for dispersion treatment to obtain a second slurry with a solid content of 10%.

[0133] Example 3 Unlike Example 1, (1) Dissolve Ni(NO3)2, Co(NO3)2, and Mn(NO3)2 in deionized water at a molar ratio of 75:10:15 to prepare a salt solution with a concentration of 2.5 mol / L, denoted as Solution I. Dissolve NaOH in deionized water to prepare a sodium hydroxide solution with a concentration of 3.5 mol / L, denoted as Solution II. Dissolve concentrated ammonia (NH3·H2O, concentration 25%~28%) in deionized water to prepare an ammonia solution with a concentration of 2.0 mol / L, denoted as Solution III.

[0134] (2) Add solution I and solution II to the constant temperature continuous stirring reactor at the same time. The flow rate of solution I and solution II is 50 ml / h. The reaction temperature is controlled at 50℃ and the stirring rate is 800 rpm. 15 min after adding solution I and solution II, add solution III and adjust the pH of the solution in the constant temperature continuous stirring reactor to 11.2±0.1. 12 h after adding solution III, discharge the mixture in the constant temperature continuous stirring reactor. After collecting the mixture, filter it. The solid obtained by filtration is the solidified material.

[0135] (3) Place the curing material and lithium hydroxide solution in a mixing tank equipped with a high-speed stirrer (stirring speed of 1500 rpm). The molar ratio of the sum of Ni, Co and Mn elements in the curing material to the lithium element in the lithium hydroxide solution is 1.05:1. The concentration of the lithium hydroxide solution is 3 mol / L. The stirring time is 120 min to obtain the first slurry.

[0136] (4) The first slurry is vacuum filtered and washed to obtain a filter cake. Then, deionization is added to the filter cake for dispersion treatment to obtain a second slurry with a solid content of 20%.

[0137] Example 4 Unlike Example 1, (3) Place the curing material and lithium hydroxide solution in a mixing tank equipped with a high-speed stirrer (stirring speed of 1500 rpm). The molar ratio of the sum of Ni, Co and Mn elements in the curing material to the lithium element in the lithium hydroxide solution is 1.05:1. The concentration of the lithium hydroxide solution is 0.5 mol / L. The stirring time is 45 min to obtain the first slurry.

[0138] (6) Add the precursor and anhydrous ethanol into a planetary ball mill, control the rotation speed at 100 rpm, the time at 30 min, the ball-to-material ratio at 2:1, and the proportion of anhydrous ethanol in the total mass of the precursor and anhydrous ethanol at 30%, and granulate by ball milling; subject the granulated powder to a first heat treatment to obtain a multi-element material, wherein the temperature of the first heat treatment is 500 ℃, the sintering time is 5 h, and the sintering atmosphere is a mixed atmosphere of 85% O2, 10% CH4, and 5% H2O; subject the multi-element material to a second heat treatment, wherein the temperature of the second heat treatment is 890 ℃, the sintering time is 8 h, and the cathode material is obtained.

[0139] Example 5 Unlike Example 1, (2) Add solution I and solution II to the constant temperature continuous stirring reactor at the same time. The flow rate of solution I and solution II is 50 ml / h. The reaction temperature is controlled at 55℃ and the stirring rate is 1200 rpm. 15 min after adding solution I and solution II, add solution III and adjust the pH of the solution in the constant temperature continuous stirring reactor to 11.8±0.1. 12 h after adding solution III, discharge the mixture in the constant temperature continuous stirring reactor. After collecting the mixture, filter it. The solid obtained by filtration is the solidified material.

[0140] (3) Place the curing material and lithium hydroxide solution in a mixing tank equipped with a high-speed stirrer (stirring speed of 1500 rpm). The molar ratio of the sum of Ni, Co and Mn elements in the curing material to the lithium element in the lithium hydroxide solution is 1.05:1. The concentration of the lithium hydroxide solution is 2 mol / L. The stirring time is 100 min to obtain the first slurry.

[0141] (4) The first slurry is vacuum filtered and washed to obtain a filter cake. Then, deionization is added to the filter cake for dispersion treatment to obtain a second slurry with a solid content of 18%.

[0142] (6) Add the precursor and anhydrous ethanol to a planetary ball mill, control the rotation speed at 120 rpm, the time at 25 min, the ball-to-material ratio at 2:1, and the proportion of anhydrous ethanol in the total mass of the precursor and anhydrous ethanol at 25%, and granulate by ball milling; subject the granulated powder to a first heat treatment to obtain a multi-element material, wherein the temperature of the first heat treatment is 600 ℃, the sintering time is 5.5 h, and the sintering atmosphere is a mixed atmosphere of 85% O2, 10% CH4, and 5% H2O; subject the multi-element material to a second heat treatment, wherein the temperature of the second heat treatment is 890 ℃, the sintering time is 8 h, and the cathode material is obtained.

[0143] Example 6 Unlike Example 1, (1) Dissolve Ni(NO3)2, Co(NO3)2, and Mn(NO3)2 in deionized water at a molar ratio of 75:10:15 to prepare a salt solution with a concentration of 2.5 mol / L, denoted as Solution I. Dissolve NaOH in deionized water to prepare a sodium hydroxide solution with a concentration of 3.5 mol / L, denoted as Solution II. Dissolve concentrated ammonia (NH3·H2O, concentration 25%~28%) in deionized water to prepare an ammonia solution with a concentration of 3.5 mol / L, denoted as Solution III.

[0144] (2) Add solution I and solution II to the constant temperature continuous stirring reactor at the same time. The flow rate of solution I and solution II is 50 ml / h. The reaction temperature is controlled at 60℃ and the stirring rate is 1400 rpm. 15 min after adding solution I and solution II, add solution III and adjust the pH of the solution in the constant temperature continuous stirring reactor to 12.1±0.1. 12 h after adding solution III, the mixture in the constant temperature continuous stirring reactor is discharged. After collecting the mixture, filter it. The solid obtained by filtration is the solidified material.

[0145] (3) Place the curing material and lithium hydroxide solution in a mixing tank equipped with a high-speed stirrer (stirring speed of 1500 rpm). The molar ratio of the sum of Ni, Co and Mn elements in the curing material to the lithium element in the lithium hydroxide solution is 1.05:1. The concentration of the lithium hydroxide solution is 2 mol / L. The stirring time is 80 min to obtain the first slurry.

[0146] (6) Add the precursor and anhydrous ethanol into a planetary ball mill, control the rotation speed at 140 rpm, the time at 20 min, the ball-to-material ratio at 2:1, and the proportion of anhydrous ethanol in the total mass of the precursor and anhydrous ethanol at 20%, and granulate by ball milling; subject the granulated powder to a first heat treatment to obtain a multi-element material, wherein the temperature of the first heat treatment is 600 ℃, the sintering time is 6 h, and the sintering atmosphere is a mixed atmosphere of 85% O2, 10% CH4, and 5% H2O; subject the multi-element material to a second heat treatment, wherein the temperature of the second heat treatment is 890 ℃, the sintering time is 8 h, and the cathode material is obtained.

[0147] Example 7 Unlike Example 1, (1) Dissolve Ni(NO3)2, Co(NO3)2, and Mn(NO3)2 in deionized water at a molar ratio of 75:10:15 to prepare a salt solution with a concentration of 2.5 mol / L, denoted as Solution I. Dissolve NaOH in deionized water to prepare a sodium hydroxide solution with a concentration of 3.5 mol / L, and filter out insoluble impurities using a microporous membrane, denoted as Solution II. Dissolve concentrated ammonia (NH3·H2O, concentration 25%~28%) in deionized water to prepare an ammonia solution with a concentration of 4.0 mol / L, denoted as Solution III.

[0148] (2) Add solution I and solution II to the constant temperature continuous stirring reactor at the same time. The flow rate of solution I and solution II is 50 ml / h. The reaction temperature is controlled at 65℃ and the stirring rate is 1600 rpm. 15 min after adding solution I and solution II, add solution III and adjust the pH of the solution in the constant temperature continuous stirring reactor to 12.5±0.1. 12 h after adding solution III, discharge the mixture in the constant temperature continuous stirring reactor. After collecting the mixture, filter it. The solid obtained by filtration is the solidified material.

[0149] (3) Place the curing material and lithium hydroxide solution in a mixing tank equipped with a high-speed stirrer (stirring speed of 1500 rpm). The molar ratio of the sum of Ni, Co and Mn elements in the curing material to the lithium element in the lithium hydroxide solution is 1.05:1. The concentration of the lithium hydroxide solution is 2 mol / L. The stirring time is 60 min to obtain the first slurry.

[0150] (4) The first slurry is vacuum filtered and washed to obtain a filter cake. Then, deionization is added to the filter cake for dispersion treatment to obtain a second slurry with a solid content of 13%.

[0151] (6) Add the precursor and anhydrous ethanol to a planetary ball mill, control the rotation speed at 160 rpm, the time at 20 min, the ball-to-material ratio at 2:1, and the proportion of anhydrous ethanol in the total mass of the precursor and anhydrous ethanol at 15%, and granulate by ball milling; subject the granulated powder to a first heat treatment to obtain a multi-element material, wherein the temperature of the first heat treatment is 650 ℃, the sintering time is 6.5 h, and the sintering atmosphere is a mixed atmosphere of 85% O2, 10% CH4, and 5% H2O; subject the multi-element material to a second heat treatment, wherein the temperature of the second heat treatment is 890 ℃, the sintering time is 8 h, and the cathode material is obtained.

[0152] Example 8 Unlike Example 1, (1) Dissolve Ni(NO3)2, Co(NO3)2, and Mn(NO3)2 in deionized water at a molar ratio of 75:10:15 to prepare a salt solution with a concentration of 2.5 mol / L, denoted as Solution I. Dissolve NaOH in deionized water to prepare a sodium hydroxide solution with a concentration of 3.5 mol / L, denoted as Solution II. Dissolve concentrated ammonia (NH3·H2O, concentration 25%~28%) in deionized water to prepare an ammonia solution with a concentration of 4.5 mol / L, denoted as Solution III.

[0153] (2) Add solution I and solution II to the constant temperature continuous stirring reactor at the same time. The flow rate of solution I and solution II is 50 ml / h. The reaction temperature is controlled at 70℃ and the stirring rate is 1800 rpm. 15 min after adding solution I and solution II, add solution III to make the pH of the solution in the constant temperature continuous stirring reactor 13.0±0.1. 12 h after adding solution III, discharge the mixture in the constant temperature continuous stirring reactor. After collecting the mixture, filter it. The solid obtained by filtration is the solidified material.

[0154] (4) The first slurry is vacuum filtered and washed to obtain a filter cake. Then, deionization is added to the filter cake for dispersion treatment to obtain a second slurry with a solid content of 10%.

[0155] (6) Add the precursor and anhydrous ethanol to a planetary ball mill, control the rotation speed at 150 rpm, the time at 20 min, the ball-to-material ratio at 2:1, and the proportion of anhydrous ethanol in the total mass of the precursor and anhydrous ethanol at 10%, and granulate by ball milling; subject the granulated powder to a first heat treatment to obtain a multi-element material, wherein the temperature of the first heat treatment is 700 ℃, the sintering time is 7 h, and the sintering atmosphere is a mixed atmosphere of 85% O2, 10% CH4, and 5% H2O; subject the multi-element material to a second heat treatment, wherein the temperature of the second heat treatment is 890 ℃, the sintering time is 8 h, and the cathode material is obtained.

[0156] Example 9 Unlike Example 1, (2) Add solution I and solution II to the constant temperature continuous stirring reactor at the same time. The flow rate of solution I and solution II is 50 ml / h. The reaction temperature is controlled at 60℃ and the stirring rate is 1000 rpm. After 15 min of introducing solution I and solution II, add solution III and adjust the pH of the solution in the constant temperature continuous stirring reactor to 11.5±0.1℃. After adding solution III for 12 h, discharge the mixture in the constant temperature continuous stirring reactor. Collect the mixture and filter it. The solid obtained by filtration is the solidified material.

[0157] (3) Place the curing material and lithium hydroxide solution in a mixing tank equipped with a high-speed stirrer (stirring speed of 1500 rpm). The molar ratio of the sum of Ni, Co and Mn elements in the curing material to the lithium element in the lithium hydroxide solution is 1.05:1. The concentration of the lithium hydroxide solution is 2 mol / L. The stirring time is 90 min to obtain the first slurry.

[0158] (6) Add the precursor and anhydrous ethanol to a planetary ball mill, control the rotation speed at 120 rpm, the time at 25 min, the ball-to-material ratio at 2:1, and the proportion of anhydrous ethanol in the total mass of the precursor and anhydrous ethanol at 20%, and granulate by ball milling; subject the granulated powder to a first heat treatment to obtain a multi-element material, wherein the temperature of the first heat treatment is 550 ℃, the sintering time is 5.5 h, and the sintering atmosphere is a mixed atmosphere of 85% O2, 10% CH4, and 5% H2O; subject the multi-element material to a second heat treatment, wherein the temperature of the second heat treatment is 890 ℃, the sintering time is 8 h, and the cathode material is obtained.

[0159] Example 10 Unlike Example 1, based on the total mass of Ni, Co, and Mn, 3000 ppm of Mg(NO3)2 was added to solution I.

[0160] Example 11 Unlike Example 1, based on the total mass of Ni, Co, and Mn, 1000 ppm of TiBr3 and 2000 ppm of Zr(SO4)2 were added to solution I.

[0161] Example 12 Unlike Example 1, in (1), Ni(NO3)2, Co(NO3)2, Mn(NO3)2 and Ni(NO3)2 are dissolved in deionized water in a molar ratio of 60:10:30 and are referred to as Solution I.

[0162] Example 13 Unlike Example 1, in (1), Ni(NO3)2, Co(NO3)2, Mn(NO3)2 and Ni(NO3)2 are dissolved in deionized water in a molar ratio of 88:2:10 and are referred to as Solution I.

[0163] Example 14 Unlike Example 1, in (1), Ni(NO3)2, Co(NO3)2, Mn(NO3)2 and Ni(NO3)2 are dissolved in deionized water in a molar ratio of 95:2:3 and are referred to as solution I.

[0164] Example 15 Unlike Example 1, (6) the precursor and anhydrous ethanol were added to a planetary ball mill, the rotation speed was controlled at 120 rpm, the time was 25 min, the ball-to-material ratio was 2:1, and the proportion of anhydrous ethanol in the total mass of the precursor and anhydrous ethanol was 20%, and the ball milling was performed for granulation; the granulated powder was subjected to a first heat treatment to obtain a multi-element material, wherein the temperature of the first heat treatment was 300°C, the sintering time was 3.0 h, and the sintering atmosphere was a mixed atmosphere of 85% O2, 10% CH4, and 5% H2O; the multi-element material was then subjected to a second heat treatment, the temperature of the second heat treatment was 890°C, and the sintering time was 8 h, to obtain a positive electrode material.

[0165] Example 16 Unlike Example 1, (6) the precursor and anhydrous ethanol were added to a planetary ball mill, the rotation speed was controlled at 120 rpm, the time was 25 min, the ball-to-material ratio was 2:1, and the proportion of anhydrous ethanol in the total mass of the precursor and anhydrous ethanol was 20%, and the ball milling was performed for granulation; the granulated powder was subjected to a first heat treatment to obtain a multi-element material, wherein the temperature of the first heat treatment was 300 °C, the sintering time was 4.0 h, and the sintering atmosphere was a mixed atmosphere of 85% O2, 10% CH4, and 5% H2O; the multi-element material was then subjected to a second heat treatment, the temperature of the second heat treatment was 890 °C, and the sintering time was 8 h, to obtain a positive electrode material.

[0166] Example 17 Unlike Example 1, (6) the precursor and anhydrous ethanol were added to a planetary ball mill, the rotation speed was controlled at 120 rpm, the time was 25 min, the ball-to-material ratio was 2:1, and the proportion of anhydrous ethanol in the total mass of the precursor and anhydrous ethanol was 20%, and the ball milling was performed for granulation; the granulated powder was subjected to a first heat treatment to obtain a multi-element material, wherein the temperature of the first heat treatment was 400 ℃, the sintering time was 3.0 h, and the sintering atmosphere was a mixed atmosphere of 85% O2, 10% CH4, and 5% H2O; the multi-element material was then subjected to a second heat treatment, the temperature of the second heat treatment was 890 ℃, and the sintering time was 8 h, to obtain a positive electrode material.

[0167] Comparative Example 1 Unlike Example 1, (1) Dissolve Ni(NO3)2, Co(NO3)2, and Mn(NO3)2 in deionized water at a molar ratio of 75:10:15 to prepare a salt solution with a concentration of 2.5 mol / L, denoted as Solution I. Dissolve NaOH in deionized water to prepare a sodium hydroxide solution with a concentration of 6.0 mol / L, denoted as Solution II. Dissolve concentrated ammonia (NH3·H2O, concentration 25%~28%) in deionized water to prepare an ammonia solution with a concentration of 8.0 mol / L, denoted as Solution III.

[0168] (2) Add solution I and solution II to the constant temperature continuous stirring reactor at the same time. The flow rate of solution I and solution II is 50 ml / h. Control the reaction temperature at 80℃ and the stirring rate at 500 rpm. After 15 min of introducing solution I and solution II, add solution III to make the pH of the solution in the constant temperature continuous stirring reactor 14.0±0.1. After adding solution III for 12 h, discharge the mixture in the constant temperature continuous stirring reactor. Collect the mixture and filter it. The solid obtained by filtration is the solidified material.

[0169] (3) Place the curing material and lithium hydroxide solution in a mixing tank equipped with a high-speed stirrer (stirring speed of 1500 rpm). The molar ratio of the sum of Ni, Co and Mn elements in the curing material to the lithium element in the lithium hydroxide solution is 1.05:1. The concentration of the lithium hydroxide solution is 5 mol / L. The stirring time is 10 min to obtain the first slurry.

[0170] (4) The first slurry is vacuum filtered and washed to obtain a filter cake. Then, deionization is added to the filter cake for dispersion treatment to obtain a second slurry with a solid content of 5%.

[0171] (5) The second slurry is sprayed out through an ultrasonic atomizing nozzle. The material sprayed out of the nozzle comes into contact with liquid nitrogen, so that the material in the second slurry forms particles. The particles are transferred to a freeze dryer, and the vacuum degree is controlled at 50 Pa, the temperature is 0℃, and the drying time is 24h to obtain the precursor.

[0172] (6) Add the precursor and anhydrous ethanol into a planetary ball mill, control the rotation speed at 40 rpm, the time at 5 min, the ball-to-material ratio at 1:1, and the proportion of anhydrous ethanol in the total mass of the precursor and anhydrous ethanol at 10%. Ball milling is performed to granulate the multi-element material. The multi-element material is then subjected to heat treatment at a temperature of 890℃ and a sintering time of 8 h to obtain the cathode material.

[0173] Comparative Example 2 Unlike Example 1, (2) Add solution I and solution II to the constant temperature continuous stirring reactor at the same time. The flow rate of solution I and solution II is 50 ml / h. The reaction temperature is controlled at 60℃ and the stirring rate is 300 rpm. After 15 min of introducing solution I and solution II, add solution III to make the pH of the solution in the constant temperature continuous stirring reactor 12.1±0.1℃. After adding solution III for 12 h, the mixture in the constant temperature continuous stirring reactor is discharged. After collecting the mixture, filter it. The solid obtained by filtration is the solidified material.

[0174] (3) Place the curing material and lithium hydroxide solution in a mixing tank equipped with a high-speed stirrer (stirring speed of 1500 rpm). The molar ratio of the sum of Ni, Co and Mn elements in the curing material to the lithium element in the lithium hydroxide solution is 1.05:1. The concentration of the lithium hydroxide solution is 5 mol / L. The stirring time is 45 min to obtain the first slurry.

[0175] (6) Add the precursor and anhydrous ethanol into a planetary ball mill, control the rotation speed at 200 rpm, the time at 15 min, the ball-to-material ratio at 2:1, and the proportion of anhydrous ethanol in the total mass of the precursor and anhydrous ethanol at 10%, and granulate by ball milling; obtain the multi-element material from the granulated powder; then heat treat the multi-element material at a temperature of 890℃ and a sintering time of 8 h to obtain the cathode material.

[0176] Comparative Example 3 Unlike Example 1, (1) Dissolve Ni(NO3)2, Co(NO3)2, and Mn(NO3)2 in deionized water at a molar ratio of 75:10:15 to prepare a salt solution with a concentration of 2.5 mol / L, denoted as Solution I. Dissolve NaOH in deionized water to prepare a sodium hydroxide solution with a concentration of 3.5 mol / L, denoted as Solution II. Dissolve concentrated ammonia (NH3·H2O, concentration 25%~28%) in deionized water to prepare an ammonia solution with a concentration of 5.0 mol / L, denoted as Solution III.

[0177] (2) Add solution I and solution II to the constant temperature continuous stirring reactor at the same time. The flow rate of solution I and solution II is 50 ml / h. Control the reaction temperature at 80℃ and the stirring rate at 2500 rpm. After 15 min of introducing solution I and solution II, add solution III to make the pH of the solution in the constant temperature continuous stirring reactor 13.5±0.1℃. Then discharge the mixture in the constant temperature continuous stirring reactor, collect the mixture and filter it. The solid obtained by filtration is the solidified material.

[0178] (3) Place the curing material and lithium hydroxide solution in a mixing tank equipped with a high-speed stirrer (stirring speed of 1500 rpm). The molar ratio of the sum of Ni, Co and Mn elements in the curing material to the lithium element in the lithium hydroxide solution is 1.05:1. The concentration of the lithium hydroxide solution is 5 mol / L. The stirring time is 20 min to obtain the first slurry.

[0179] (4) The first slurry is vacuum filtered and washed to obtain a filter cake. Then, deionized water is added to the filter cake for dispersion treatment to obtain a second slurry with a solid content of 8%.

[0180] Comparative Example 4 Unlike Comparative Example 1, in (6), the heat treatment temperature was 920℃ and the sintering time was 12h to obtain the positive electrode material.

[0181] Comparative Example 5 Unlike Comparative Example 2, in (6), the heat treatment temperature was 920℃ and the sintering time was 12h to obtain the positive electrode material.

[0182] Comparative Example 6 Unlike Comparative Example 3, in (6), the heat treatment temperature was 920℃ and the sintering time was 12h to obtain the positive electrode material.

[0183] Test method: (1) Raman spectroscopy test: 1) Using a Renishaw inVia laser microconfocal Raman spectrometer, the laser was turned on and preheated for 15 minutes before silicon wafer calibration was performed, with a focal length of 520.5±15cm. -1 The peak with the highest intensity within the range was calibrated to 520.5 ± 0.5 cm⁻¹. -1 Within the range; 2) Place 5 mg of sample on a glass slide and gently press the sample surface with a fiberless glass rod to form a thin layer of uniform thickness without obvious particle stacking. Select a ×50L objective lens, a total test power of 105 mW, a 532 nm laser, an 1800 mm grating, select "Standard Spectrum Acquisition Mode", exposure time 10 s, power attenuation 0.5%, cycle number 2, and obtain the Raman spectrum. Figure 3 This is the Raman spectrum of the multi-component material in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In the Raman spectrum, the horizontal axis represents the Raman shift, and the unit is wavenumber cm. -1 The vertical axis represents the intensity of the Raman scattering signal, and the unit is counts. 3) Data processing is performed in the following order: raw spectrum → cosmic ray subtraction → baseline calibration → peak labeling and fitting → intensity ratio calculation. Specifically, the raw spectrum is imported (open WiRE 5.6 software, select File → Load to import raw Raman spectral data) → cosmic ray subtraction (select Processing → Cosmic Ray Removal; in the settings window, select 6 for "Width parameter" and 15 for "Height parameter"; click "Finish" to perform the subtraction) → baseline calibration (select Processing → Subtract Baseline; right-click properties, select "Polynomial" for baseline mode, and set the order to 1; drag the baseline anchor point to the peak-free region to ensure a smooth baseline; click "Apply" to complete the baseline calibration) → peak labeling and fitting (select Analysis → Curve fit; manually label the 400cm peaks). -1 ~800cm -1 The characteristic peaks; select the "Gaussian+Lorentzian" mixture model (Voigt function) as the fitting type; set the number of iterations to 200 and the tolerance error to 0.001; click "Start fit" to perform the fitting, and the intensity parameters will be automatically displayed in the fitting results.

[0184] (2) Lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide content test: 1) Sample preparation: Weigh 5.0000±0.0050g of multi-material sample, add 100ml (±0.01mL) of ultrapure water, stir evenly with a glass rod, and magnetically stir for 10min at 450r / min. After centrifugation, take the supernatant for later use.

[0185] 2) Testing: A METTLER TOLEDO G20 potentiometric titrator was used. The supernatant was titrated with a standard hydrochloric acid solution. The first and second endpoints were determined by the potential change. The mass content of lithium hydroxide in the supernatant (w1) was calculated based on the amount of hydrochloric acid consumed at the first endpoint. The mass content of lithium carbonate in the supernatant (w2) was calculated based on the amount of hydrochloric acid consumed between the first and second endpoints. The mass content of lithium in the multi-element material, w, is then w = w1. 0.2898+w2 0.1878.

[0186] (3) Particle size testing of multi-component materials: The particle size was tested using a Malvern Mastersizer 3000 laser particle size analyzer, referring to GB / T19077.1-2016 "Particle Size Distribution - Laser Diffraction Method". During the test, an appropriate amount of sample was taken, poured into pure water and ultrasonically dispersed evenly. The surfactant was then added dropwise according to the ratio of sample:surfactant = 1g: 1 drop, stirred evenly, and then tested.

[0187] D 10 D represents the particle size at which the cumulative particle size distribution percentage of the powder reaches 10%. 50 D represents the particle size at which the cumulative particle size distribution percentage reaches 50%. 90 D represents the particle size at which the cumulative particle size distribution percentage reaches 90%. min D represents the smallest particle size in the cumulative particle size distribution. max This represents the maximum particle size value in the cumulative particle size distribution.

[0188] Particle size distribution width for:

[0189] (4) Testing of metallic elements in multi-component materials: Weigh 0.3–0.35 g of sample, add 8 mL of aqua regia and an appropriate amount of water, digest at 200 °C for 30 min on a heating plate, cool and bring the volume to 100 mL. Transfer 1 mL of the mother liquor and bring the volume to 100 mL to obtain a diluted solution. Test the diluted solution to obtain the content of the main element, and test the mother liquor to obtain the content of other trace elements (Ti, Zr, Y, Mg, K, Na, Sr, Sn, W, Nb, or Sb). All determinations were performed using an Agilent 5110 ICP-OES instrument.

[0190] (5) Test of anion content in multi-component materials: 1) Sample preparation: Weigh 0.7g of multi-element material sample, measure 7ml (±0.01mL) of ultrapure water, first add a small amount of ultrapure water (4mL±0.01mL) to the sample, stir evenly with a glass rod, then add the remaining ultrapure water (3mL±0.01mL), stir evenly, sonicate for 3min, let stand for 17min to allow the sample to precipitate, and take the supernatant for later use.

[0191] 2) Testing: The anions (SO42-) in the supernatant were tested using a Thermo Fisher ICS-6000 ion chromatograph. 2- NO 3- Cl - The total mass content of ) is c1 ppm, and the anions (SO4) in the multi-component materials 2- NO 3- Cl -The mass content (ppm) is calculated as c1 ppm × 10.

[0192] (6) Specific surface area test: Specific surface area was measured using a Tristar 3020 micrometer from the USA. A dry specific surface area tube was used, and material was weighed to fill 1 / 2 to 2 / 3 of the tube's volume. Degassing (removing moisture or impurities) was performed before testing using a vacuum heating method. The degassing temperature was set to 300℃, and the degassing time was 1 hour. After degassing, the tube was placed in a cooling tank or on an external specific surface area tube rack for 20 minutes, followed by backfilling with gas for 5-10 seconds (depending on the situation, to avoid sample ejection and adhesion to the sample tube sidewall). The sample tube was then disassembled, quickly sealed with a rubber stopper, and the subsequent testing was performed. The P / P0 ratio was set to 0.05 / 0.1 / 0.15 / 0.20 / 0.25 / 0.30. An isothermal adsorption curve was fitted, and the monolayer saturated adsorption capacity Vm was calculated based on the slope and intercept. The specific surface area and pore size were then calculated based on Vm.

[0193] (7) Loose packing density test: The loose density of multi-component materials was characterized using the Hosokawa Micron PT-X apparatus. The powder was loaded into a funnel equipped with a vibration device and vibrated in the funnel (vibration conditions: amplitude of 1.5 mm, time of 30 s). The powder fell freely from the funnel hole at a certain height during vibration, filling a container with a fixed volume below. The loose density was calculated by measuring the volume and weight of the powder.

[0194] (8) pH value test: Take approximately 5g of the positive electrode material sample, add 45mL of water, sonicate for 5 minutes, then remove and let stand for 10 minutes. After calibrating the pH meter, insert the composite electrode into the supernatant solution to be tested. Calculate the pH value of the solution based on the potential difference between the measuring electrode and the reference electrode.

[0195] (9) Crack rate test: The cathode material powder to be tested was mixed with conductive carbon black and PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) binder at a mass ratio of 80:10:10. NMP (N-methylpyrrolidone) was then added to form a uniform slurry, which was coated onto aluminum foil and dried in an oven to form an electrode sheet. This electrode sheet was used as a sample, and the sample was prepared into an electron microscopy (SEM) section using an ion cutter. The section sample was then subjected to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) testing. At a field of view of 3k, five different regions were selected, and the proportion of the tested material particles with cracks was counted out of the total number of tested material particles. The proportion indicates the number of microcracks. The test results of this invention are statistical results obtained by randomly selecting the section of 300 tested material particles from the SEM image as a sample. SEM testing requires random sampling of the tested material and random selection of regions; the resulting SEM image should represent the average level of the tested material. Since the electrode sheet is not rolled during fabrication in this test method, the percentage of cracks obtained can be considered as the percentage of cracked particles in the powder state of the test material. It should be noted that the aforementioned cracks refer to those with a size ranging from 0.5 nm to 30 nm in the cross-sectional profile. The crack size refers to the width of the microcrack. Cracks extend along their length, and the width of the microcrack is perpendicular to the length direction. The maximum size in the crack width direction is taken as the width of the microcrack.

[0196] (10) Electrochemical performance testing: The positive electrode materials prepared in each embodiment and comparative example were mixed with conductive carbon black and polyvinylidene fluoride at a mass ratio of 96:2:2, and NMP (N-methylpyrrolidone) was added to form a uniform slurry with a solid content of 30%. The slurry was then uniformly coated onto an aluminum foil with a thickness of 10 μm and a coating surface density of 9 mg / cm³. 2 The electrodes were dried in a 100℃ oven for 12 hours, and then rolled under 10 MPa pressure to form circular electrode sheets with a diameter of 14 mm. The negative electrode used a 14 mm diameter Li metal sheet. The lithium-ion battery was assembled according to the industrial CR2025 button cell design, using a Cellgard separator and an equal mixture of ethylene carbonate (EC), polycarbonate (PC), and diethyl carbonate (DEC) with 1 mol / L LiPF6 as the electrolyte. The positive electrode, separator, negative electrode, and electrolyte were assembled into a button cell in an Ar gas glove box with a water and oxygen content of less than 0.5 ppm.

[0197] Electrical performance was tested using the Blue Electric testing system (charge and discharge voltage 2.5–4.3 V, temperature 45°C), current 5C. The discharge capacity, average discharge voltage, 1C discharge specific capacity / 1C charge specific capacity (1 cycle), and 50-cycle retention rate were measured for the 1st, 30th, and 50th cycles.

[0198] 50-cycle retention rate = specific capacity at the 50th discharge / specific capacity at the first discharge.

[0199] The physicochemical properties of the multi-component materials in the above embodiments (abbreviated as S1~S17) and comparative examples (abbreviated as D1~D6) and the electrochemical properties of the cathode materials were tested. The test results are detailed in List 1~Table 3.

[0200] Table 1. Parameters of multi-component materials

[0201] Table 2. Parameters of multi-component materials

[0202] Table 3. Cathode materials and their electrochemical performance results

[0203] As shown in Tables 1-3, in the multi-component materials prepared in Examples 1-14 of this application, the multi-component materials are used at a wavelength of 500 cm⁻¹. -1 ~700cm -1 Characteristic peaks are present in the range of multi-element materials at a wavelength of 400 cm⁻¹. -1 ~500cm -1 The material does not have characteristic peaks within the specified range; in the particle size distribution spectrum of the multi-component material, the volume percentage of particles with a diameter less than or equal to 1 μm in the multi-component material is B, where B satisfies 5% ≤ B ≤ 20%. In the multi-component materials prepared in Examples 15-17 of this application, the multi-component material exhibits a wavelength of 500 cm⁻¹. -1 ~700cm -1 Characteristic peaks are present in the range of multi-element materials at a wavelength of 400 cm⁻¹. -1 ~500cm -1 The characteristic peak with the highest intensity in the range is associated with multi-element materials at a wavelength of 500 cm⁻¹. -1 ~700cm -1 The peak intensity ratio of the characteristic peak with the highest intensity within the range is ≤0.35. In the particle size distribution spectrum of the multi-element material, the volume percentage of particles with a diameter less than or equal to 1 μm in the multi-element material is B, and B satisfies 5% ≤ B ≤ 20%. However, the multi-element materials in Comparative Examples 1 to 6 do not meet the above-mentioned limitations of this application. Compared with Comparative Examples 1 to 6, Examples 1 to 17 have a lower crack rate when sintered into positive electrode materials, and the capacity retention rate and rate performance of the positive electrode materials are better. The main reason is that the multi-element material provided in this application has a higher intensity ratio at a wavelength of 500 cm⁻¹. -1 ~700cm -1The material exhibits a characteristic peak within a certain range, corresponding to the OMO stretching vibration peak. M includes at least two of Ni, Co, Mn, and Al. The multi-element material exhibits a characteristic peak at a wavelength of 400 cm⁻¹. -1 ~500cm -1 Materials without characteristic peaks or multi-component materials at a wavelength of 400 cm⁻¹ -1 ~500cm -1 The characteristic peak with the highest intensity in the range is associated with multi-element materials at a wavelength of 500 cm⁻¹. -1 ~700cm -1 The peak intensity ratio of the characteristic peak with the highest intensity within the range is ≤0.35, 400cm. -1 ~500cm -1 The characteristic peaks within the range correspond to MO bonds, indicating that the main metal element in the multi-element material of this application mainly exists in the form of OMO bonds. Compared with multi-element materials dominated by MO bonds, the energy barrier for lithiation of multi-element materials is lower, which can reduce the sintering temperature during the lithiation process. However, oxygen vacancies are easily generated during coordination rearrangement, which can lead to cracks. By controlling the volume distribution spectrum of the multi-element material, the volume ratio of particles with a diameter less than or equal to 1 μm in the multi-element material is B, where B satisfies 5% ≤ B ≤ 20%. The appropriate amount of particles with a diameter less than or equal to 1 μm can, on the one hand, improve the sintering activity of the multi-element material and reduce the sintering energy consumption; on the other hand, particles with a diameter less than or equal to 1 μm can fuse to the surface of larger particles (particles with a diameter greater than 1 μm) during the high-temperature sintering process of the multi-element material, reducing the formation of grain boundary cracks, thereby giving the sintered cathode material good structural stability.

[0204] In Comparative Example 1, the multi-element material at a wavelength of 400 cm⁻¹ -1 ~500cm -1 The volume proportion (B) of particles with characteristic peaks within the range and a particle size of less than or equal to 1 μm in the multi-element material is too high. This results in an excessively high lithium-ion migration barrier during the high-temperature sintering process of the multi-element material, an excessively high sintering temperature required for crystallization of the multi-element material, reduced sintering activity, and increased energy consumption. Consequently, the grains tend to become large and easily agglomerate, which can easily lead to defects and cracks in the particles. This results in weak particle strength, a high crack rate, and poor cycle stability and rate performance of the cathode material.

[0205] Figure 3 The Raman spectra of the multi-component materials in Examples 1, 2, and 1 are shown below. Figure 3 As shown, the multi-element materials of Examples 1 and 2 are used at a wavelength of 400 cm⁻¹. -1 ~500cm -1 It does not have characteristic peaks within the range. In contrast, the multi-element material in Comparative Example 1 exhibits characteristic peaks at a wavelength of 400 cm⁻¹. -1 ~500cm -1The presence of distinct characteristic peaks within the range indicates that the multi-component material in Comparative Example 1 has more MO bonds and a higher sintering temperature, leading to reduced sintering activity and increased energy consumption.

[0206] In Comparative Example 2, the multi-component material at a wavelength of 400 cm⁻¹ -1 ~500cm -1 The characteristic peaks within the range result in a higher sintering temperature during the lithiation process of multi-element materials, leading to a higher proportion of cracks during sintering and consequently, poor cycle stability and rate performance of the cathode material.

[0207] In Comparative Example 3, the volume ratio B of particles with a diameter of less than or equal to 1 μm in the multi-element material is too high, which makes the particles prone to agglomeration during the sintering process of the multi-element material, resulting in uneven particle distribution and poor cycle stability and rate performance of the cathode material.

[0208] Compared with Comparative Example 1, Comparative Example 5 compared with Comparative Example 2, and Comparative Example 6 compared with Comparative Example 3, the sintering temperature of the multi-component materials into positive electrode materials was increased. In addition, combined with the sintering temperatures of the multi-component materials into positive electrode materials in Examples 1 to 17 of this application, it is shown that the multi-component materials in Examples 1 to 17 can achieve the preparation of positive electrode materials at a lower temperature. At the same time, the positive electrode materials prepared by the multi-component materials in Examples 1 to 17 have a lower crack rate and better high-temperature cycling stability and high-rate retention.

[0209] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-element material, characterized in that, The multi-element material includes at least two elements selected from Ni, Co, Mn, and Al; The multi-component material was determined by Raman spectroscopy at a wavelength of 500 cm⁻¹. -1 ~700cm -1 The range includes at least one characteristic peak, and the multi-element material has a wavelength of 400 cm⁻¹. -1 ~500cm -1 The material does not have characteristic peaks within the range, or the multi-element material has a wavelength of 400 cm⁻¹. -1 ~500cm -1 The characteristic peak with the highest intensity within the range is similar to that of the multi-element material at a wavelength of 500 cm⁻¹. -1 ~700cm -1 The peak intensity ratio of the characteristic peak with the highest intensity within the range is ≤0.35; The multi-component material was characterized by laser particle size distribution. The volume percentage of particles with a diameter of 1 μm or less in the multi-component material was B, and B satisfied 5% ≤ B ≤ 20%.

2. The multi-element material according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-element material satisfies at least one of the following conditions: (1) B is any value within the range of 5%, 8%, 10%, 12%, 15%, 18%, 20% or any two of the above values; （2）5％≤B≤10％。 3. The multi-element material according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-element material satisfies at least one of the following conditions: (1) The multi-element material includes lithium element, and based on the total mass of the multi-element material, the mass content of lithium element in the multi-element material is greater than or equal to 1000 ppm; (2) The multi-element material at a wavelength of 400cm -1 ~500cm -1 The characteristic peak with the highest intensity within the range is similar to that of the multi-element material at a wavelength of 500 cm⁻¹. -1 ~700cm -1 The peak intensity ratio of the characteristic peak with the highest intensity within the range is any value within the range of 0.03, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.10, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, 0.20, 0.21, 0.22, 0.23, 0.24, 0.25, 0.26, 0.27, 0.28, 0.29, 0.30, 0.31, 0.32, 0.33, 0.34, 0.35 or any combination thereof; (3) The multi-element material at a wavelength of 400cm -1 ~500cm -1 The characteristic peak with the highest intensity within the range is similar to that of the multi-element material at a wavelength of 500 cm⁻¹. -1 ~700cm -1 The peak intensity ratio of the characteristic peak with the highest intensity within the range is ≤0.3; (4) The multi-element material at a wavelength of 400cm -1 ~500cm -1 The characteristic peak with the highest intensity within the range is similar to that of the multi-element material at a wavelength of 500 cm⁻¹. -1 ~700cm -1 The peak intensity ratio of the characteristic peak with the highest intensity within the range is ≤0.

2.

4. The multi-element material according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-element material satisfies at least one of the following conditions: (1) The multi-component material includes lithium hydroxide, and the mass content of the lithium hydroxide is 0.2wt%~2.0wt% based on the total mass of the multi-component material; (2) The multi-component material includes lithium carbonate, and the mass content of the lithium carbonate is 5wt%~20wt% based on the total mass of the multi-component material.

5. The multi-element material according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-element material satisfies at least one of the following conditions: (1) The volume distribution particle size D of the multi-element material min Satisfying 0.2μm≤D min ≤1.0μm; (2) The volume distribution particle size D of the multi-element material 50 Satisfying 1.0μm≤D 50 ≤6.0μm; (3) The volume distribution particle size D of the multi-element material max Satisfy D max ≤25μm; (4) The volumetric particle size distribution width Span(b) of the multi-element material satisfies: 0.7≤ Span(b)≤2.

0.

6. The multi-element material according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-element material satisfies at least one of the following conditions: (1) The specific surface area of ​​the multi-element material is greater than or equal to 2.0 m². 2 / g; (2) The pH of the multi-component material is 10~14; (3) The loose bulk density of the multi-element material is 0.3 g / cm³. 3 ~1.2g / cm 3 .

7. The multi-element material according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-component material includes anions, and based on the total mass of the multi-component material, the mass content of anions in the multi-component material is greater than or equal to 500 ppm, and the anions include SO42-. 2- Cl - and NO 3- At least one of them.

8. The multi-element material according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-element material satisfies at least one of the following conditions: (1) The multi-component material includes the chemical formula Li x NO y Oxides, wherein 0.01≤x≤1.07, 0.95≤y≤1.5, and N includes at least two of Ni, Co, Mn and Al; (2) The multi-component material includes the chemical formula Li x N a M b O y Oxides, wherein 0.01≤x≤1.07, 0.9≤a≤1, 0≤b≤0.1, a+b=1, 0.95≤y≤1.5, N includes at least two of Ni, Co, Mn and Al, and M includes at least one of Ti, Zr, Y, Mg, K, Na, Sr, Sn, W, Nb and Sb; (3) The multi-component material includes materials with the general chemical formula Li x Ni a1 Co a2 Mn a3 O y For the oxides, 0.01≤x≤1.07, 0.6≤a1<1.0, 0≤a2≤0.3, 0≤a3≤0.3, a1+a2+a3=1, 0.95≤y≤1.5; (4) The multi-component material includes the chemical formula Li x Ni a1 Co a2 Mn a3 M b O y The oxides, 0.01≤x≤1.07, 0.4≤a1<1, 0≤a2≤0.3, 0≤a3≤0.3, 0≤b≤0.1, a1+a2+a3+b=1, 0.95≤y≤1.5, M includes at least one of Ti, Zr, Y, Mg, K, Na, Sr, Sn, W, Nb and Sb.

9. A positive electrode material, characterized in that, It is prepared using the multi-element material described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A battery, characterized in that, The cathode material includes the cathode material described in claim 9 or the cathode material prepared from any one of the multi-element materials described in claims 1 to 8.

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