Promoting the electrochemical performance of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathode via LaAlO3 coating

LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathode materials with high energy density, low cost possesses the potential to meet the development of next-generation lithium ion batteries for electrical vehicles. Nevertheless, the practical applications of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 were severely hindered by poor cycling stability, limited storage properties and insufficient safety due to the unstable structure with high nickel content. Though surface coating could effectively protect the cathode from electrolyte attack, it usually suffers deteriorative electronic and ion conductivity. In this report, LaAlO3 coating, which possesses high ion conductivity and stable structure, was firstly implemented via a simple solid method and extensively investigated with various techniques to clarify the coating effect. The sample with optimized LaAlO3 coating content (3.0 wt%) showed significantly improved cycle stability with a high capacity retention of 84.5% after 200 cycles at 1.0 C, which is about two times higher than that of the pristine (40.6%). And some further investigations also demonstrated the enhanced structural stability, suppressed side reactions and facilitated lithium ion diffusion kinetics. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.