Superwettable High-Voltage LiCoO2 for Low- Temperature Lithium Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries with both low-temperature (low T) adaptability and high energy density demand advanced cathodes. However, state-of-the-art high-voltage (high -V) cathodes still suffer insufficient performance at low T, which originates from the poor cathode-electrolyte interface compatibility. Herein, we developed a shallow surface Zr-doped and Li+ conductive Li2Zr(PO4)2 (LZPO) interspersed massage-ball-like LiCoO2 (LZPO-LCO). The surface interspersed LZPO can induce an electrolyte superwettability of LZPOLCO, which helps to form a high-quality cathode-electrolyte interphase with strong stability and low interface resistance. Without changing electrolyte, even at a low T of -25 degrees C and a high V of 4.6 V, LZPO-LCO shows an ultrahigh capacity of -200 mAh g-1 at 0.2C and 137 mAh g-1 at 5C, maintaining 94% capacity after 100 cycles with an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.9%. Besides, the fabricated full cells deliver a high energy density of -340 Wh kg-1 and maintain 92% capacity after 200 cycles at -25 degrees C. This work provides a significant leap forward for high-performance low -T cathodes.

Automated summary

By incorporating Li2Zr(PO4)2 (LZPO) into LiCoO2 (LCO), a high-voltage cathode material, the researchers have improved the performance of the battery at low temperatures, thereby increasing its energy density and adaptability to low temperatures.