https://doi.org/10.1051/epjconf/202637701003
Synthesis of NMC 631 Cathode Using Technical and Analytical-Grade Materials for Lithium-ion Battery
1 Departement of Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Faculty, Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Jl. R.Mangun Muka Raya, Pulo Gadung, East Jakarta, Jakarta 13220, Indonesia
2 National Battery Research Institute (NBRI), Indonesian Life Science Center, Technology Business Zone BRIN Puspitek Area, Bogor 16340, West Java, Indonesia
3 Nano Material Research Organization, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), KST. B.J. Habibie, Puspitek, Setu, South Tangerang 15314, Indonesia
4 Department of Chemistry, Universitas Lambung Mangkurat, Banjarbaru, Indonesia
5 Department of Automotive and Robotics Engineering, Binus University, Jl. Alam Sutera Boulevard No.1, Kec. Serpong, Tangerang, Banten 15325, Indonesia
* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published online: 2 July 2026
Abstract
Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC) cathodes remain promising materials aimed at lithium-ion batteries due to their balanced capacity, structural stability, and cost-performance characteristics. Among them, LiNi0.6Mn0.3Co0.1O2 (NMC631) offers a strategic composition by combining sufficient nickel content for capacity, higher manganese content for stability, and reduced cobalt content for cost efficiency. This study investigates the synthesis of NMC631 cathode materials using technical-grade and analytical-grade materials through the carbonate co-precipitation method. The objective is to assess the influence of substantial grade on the morphological and mechanical assets of NMC631 cathodes. The synthesized materials remained considered using skimming electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). SEM results showed that analytical-grade NMC631 (NMC631-A) had a smaller particle size distribution of 134.11 nm compared to technical-grade NMC631 (NMC631-T) at 243.61 nm, indicating a shorter lithium-ion diffusion pathway. XRD analysis confirmed differences in cation mixing, where NMC631-T showed an I(003)/I(104) ratio of 1.10, while NMC631-A approached 1.20, indicating better structural ordering. Overall, technical-grade precursors remain promising for cost-effective NMC631 cathode production.
© The Authors, published by EDP Sciences, 2026
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