Lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2), commonly abbreviated LCO, is a layered lithium transition metal oxide best known for its long established use as a positive electrode material in rechargeable lithium ion batteries. Its ordered crystal structure contains alternating lithium and cobalt oxide layers, allowing lithium ions to be reversibly extracted and reinserted during electrochemical cycling. LCO combines relatively high operating voltage with high volumetric energy density, which has contributed to its widespread use in batteries for portable electronic devices. Beyond conventional battery research, LCO is also studied as a model layered oxide for investigating lithium transport, phase behavior, surface chemistry, and structure dependent electrochemical performance.
