Understanding the Role of Alumina (Al2O3), Pentalithium Aluminate (Li5AlO4), and Pentasodium Aluminate (Na5AlO4) Coatings on the Li and Mn-Rich NCM Cathode Material 0.33Li2MnO3•0.67Li(Ni0.4Co0.2Mn0.4)O2 for Enhanced Electrochemical Performance

The active role of alumina, pentalithium aluminate (Li5AlO4, Li-aluminate), and pentasodium aluminate (Na5AlO4, Na-aluminate) as the surface protection coatings produced via atomic layer deposition on Li and Mn-rich NCM cathode materials 0.33Li(2)MnO(3)center dot 0.67LiNi(0.4)Co(0.2)Mn(0.4)O(2) is discussed. A notable improvement in the electrochemical behavior of the coated cathodes has been found while tested in Li-coin cells at 30 degrees C. Though all the coated cathodes demonstrate enhanced electrochemical cycling and rate performances, Na-aluminate coated cathodes exhibit exemplary behavior. Prolonged cycling and rate capability testing demonstrate that after more than 400 cycles at 1 C rate, the uncoated cathode delivers only 63 mAh g(-1), while those with alumina, Li-aluminate, and Na-aluminate coatings exhibit approximately two times higher specific capacities. The coated cathodes display steady average discharge potential and lower evolution of the voltage hysteresis during prolonged cycling compared to the uncoated cathode. Importantly, Na-aluminate coated cathode shows a lowering in gases (O-2, CO2, H-2, etc.) evolution. Post-cycling analysis of the electrodes demonstrates higher morphological integrity of the coated cathode materials and lower transition metals dissolution from them. The coatings mitigate undesirable side reactions between the electrodes and the electrolyte solution in the cells.

Automated summary

The study discusses the active role of alumina, Li-aluminate, and Na-aluminate as surface protection coatings on Li and Mn-rich NCM cathode materials, showing notable improvements in electrochemical behavior. The coated cathodes demonstrate enhanced cycling and rate performances, with Na-aluminate showing exemplary behavior and significantly higher specific capacities compared to uncoated cathodes, as well as lower evolution of gases and transition metals dissolution.