Enhanced overcharge performance of nano-LiCoO2 by novel Li3VO4 surface coatings

LiCoO2 nanoparticles were coated with 3.4 and 5.5 wt% of lithium vanadate (Li3VO4) by a wet-chemical and sintering method. When the electrode containing 5.5-wt% Li3VO4-coated LiCoO2 was overcharged to 4.5 V at a current of 30 mA g(-1) (similar to 0.2 C), similar to 85% of the initial discharge capacity after 100 charge-discharge cycles was maintained, compared to only similar to 67% for the electrode with bare LiCoO2 nanoparticles. The electrode with 5.5 wt% coating can also deliver 115 mA h g(-1) discharge capacity at a current of 1200 mA g(-1) (similar to 8 C) and a discharge-charge voltage of 4.5 V, which is twice the capacity of the bare LiCoO2 sample. The improvement of overcharge cyclability and high-rate capability was believed to be due to the structurally protective Li3VO4 surface coating with good Li-ion conductivity.