Characterization of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 spinel electrode in the presence

The effect of adding 1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene (THB) to the electrolyte [1.0 M LiPF6 in ethylene carbonate (EC), diethyl carbonate (DEC) and dimethyl carbonate (DMC) (1 : 1 : 1)] on the performance and nature of the surface species on a LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cathode in a lithium battery was investigated. The THB additive (0.1 wt%) improved the capacity retention during cycling between 3.5 and 5.0 V (vs. Li+/ Li) at room temperature. Surface analysis of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 before and after cycling by ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that THB inhibited electrolyte decomposition on the cathode surface. The improved cyclability of the LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cathode is attributed to better stability of the electrode/ electrolyte interface, presumably due to the presence of a THB-derived film.