Abstract: The present invention provides a process is presented for preparing a positive electrode active material for rechargeable lithium ion batteries. The process comprises a sintering step having a short sintering time. This improves the production throughput. More particularly, the process applies to positive electrode active material powders having a general formula Li(1+a)(NixMnyCozMec)(1?a)O2, wherein Me comprises at least one element of the group consisting of Al, Mg, Ti, Zr, W, Nb, B, and Sr, with ?0.1?a?0.1, 0.33?x?0.95, 0?y?0.35, 0<z?0.35, 0?c?0.05, and x+y+z+c=1. The sintering step is performed for a predefined sintering time ts, expressed in hours, and at a predefined temperature Ts, expressed in ° C., such that 0.3?ts?6.0, and 1140+50 Log10 (6/t)?580 x?Ts?1245+50 Log10(6/ts)?580 x.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for manufacturing lithium nickel cobalt oxide-based cathode compounds for lithium ion secondary batteries. As part of this process, nickel, cobalt, and optionally manganese-bearing precursor compounds are lithiated and sintered at a high temperature. When cooled down, a high cooling rate will benefit the throughput of the process and the economics. It has however been found that the cooling rate should not exceed 10° C./min in what has been determined to be a critical temperature domain, ranging from 700° C. to 550° C.