Coupling-Agent-Coordinated Uniform Polymer Coating on LiNi_0.6Co_0.2Mn_0.2O₂ for Improved Electrochemical Performance at...

The high-voltage Ni-rich LiNiCoMnO₂ cathode materials attract attention due to their high capacity and relatively low cost. However, the undesired instability originating from side reactions with liquid electrolytes at elevated temperatures still hinders their practical application. This research aims to build a stable interface between cathode and electrolyte. We use the coupling agent KH570 to induce vinyl ethylene carbonate (VEC) monomers to in situ polymerize on the surface of LiNi_0.6Co_0.2Mn_0.2O₂ (NCM622) to form a uniform, ultrathin (∼12 nm), and highly ion-conductive poly(vinyl ethylene carbonate) (PVEC) solid polymer electrolyte layer. The modified cathode material exhibits significant improvement in rate performance and cycling stability up to 4.5 V at elevated temperatures. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques prove that the flexible polymer coating layer effectively suppresses the mechanical degradation and crystal structure changes during cycling.