Nitrogen-doped carbon-coated Li[Ni0.8Co0.1Mn0.1]O2 cathode material for enhanced lithium-ion storage

Herein, a Nitrogen-doped carbon-coated nickel-rich Li[Ni0.8Co0.1Mn0.1]O-2 (NCM811) cathode material is reported using a dry solid state method followed by a calcination process. The crystal structure, surface morphology, and electrochemical performance of the nitrogen-doped carbon-coated LiiNi(0.8)Co(0.1)Mn(0.1)O(2) (NC@NCM811) are determined for use as a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries. In this study, dopamine hydrochloride is used to produce nitrogen-doped carbon (NC), which was coated in-situ over the NCM811 particle surface. The surface coating of NC over the NCM811 particles is confirmed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, elemental mapping, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Through optimal coating of NC, the rate capability and capacity retention of the coated material are enhanced compared with the pristine NCM811 material. Based on the electrochemical results, the reversible capacity of 0.2 wt% NC@NCM811 is 171 mAh g(-1), while those for the 0.1 and 0.3 wt% coated materials are 142 mAh g(-1) and 158 mAh g(-1), respectively. The enhanced electrochemical performance of NC@NCM811 is potentially due to the reduced and direct exposure of the electrode and electrolyte, thereby decreasing parasitic reactions during electrochemical cycling.