METHODS FOR THE CONTROLLED SYNTHESIS OF LAYERED LITHIUM AND SODIUM TRANSITION METAL OXIDES USING ELECTROCHEMICALLY ASSISTED ION-EXCHANGE

Methods for synthesizing layered lithium transition metal oxides from layered sodium transition metal oxides are provided. Also provided are electrodes for lithium-ion batteries that include the layered lithium transition metal oxides. Similarly, methods for the synthesis of layered sodium transition metal oxides from layered lithium transition metal oxides and electrodes for sodium-ion batteries that include the layered sodium transition metal oxides are provided. The methods couple electrochemical intercalation of alkali ions (Li or Na) with ion-exchange to overcome the kinetic limitation of ion-exchange in the layered alkali transition metal oxides at low vacancy concentrations.