Energy Level Alignment at the Cobalt Phosphate/Electrolyte Interface: Intrinsic Stability vs Interfacial Chemical...

The intrinsic stability of the 5 V LiCoPO₄-LiCo₂P₃O₁₀ thin-film (carbon-free) cathode material coated with MoO₃ thin layer is studied using a comprehensive synchrotron electron spectroscopy in situ approach combined with first-principle calculations. The atomic-molecular level study demonstrates fully reversible electronic properties of the cathode after the first electrochemical cycle. The polyanionic oxide is not involved in chemical reactions with the fluoroethylene-containing liquid electrolyte even when charged to 5.1 V vs Li⁺/Li. The high stability of the cathode is explained on the basis of the developed energy level model. In contrast, the chemical composition of the cathode-electrolyte interface evolves continuously by involving MoO₃ in the decomposition reaction with consequent leaching of oxide from the surface. The proposed mechanisms of chemical reactions are attributed to external electrolyte oxidation via charge transfer from the relevant electron level to the MoO₃ valence band state and internal electrolyte oxidation via proton transfer to the solvents. This study provides a deeper insight into the development of both a doping strategy to enhance the electronic conductivity of high-voltage cathode materials and an efficient surface coating against unfavorable interfacial chemical reactions.