Ultrafast Heterogeneous Nucleation Enables a Hierarchical Surface Configuration of Lithium-Rich Layered Oxide Cathode Material for Enhanced Electrochemical Performances

Lithium-rich layered oxides have attracted much attention for the high energy density, but they still suffer from cycling degradation and sluggish kinetic capability. In the present study, a novel modification of Li1.143Mn0.544Ni0.136Co0.136O2 sphere cathode materials by a hierarchical surface configuration is proposed, which integrates advantages of dual oxide layers of both amorphous and nanocrystalline Al2O3, as well as an inner spinel membrane. Mainly promoted by an ultrafast heterogeneous nucleation of Al(NO)(3) nanoseeds caused by huge solubility differences, it only takes several minutes for pretreatment. After common annealing at low temperature, the obtained material is capable to deliver a high discharge capacity of 296.3 mAh g(-1) with initial Coulombic efficiency of 92.9% at 0.1 C rate, and maintain stable cycling at both 0.2 and 0.5 C rates. Besides, rate performances are also enhanced as a result of the superior interface gained after surface modification, which produces reduced polarization during cycling. Through comprehensive analyses, improved surface property and stability are confirmed as the key to these enhancements. This strategy is anticipated to inspire new modification designs in future high energy density cathode materials.