Silkworm Protein-Derived Nitrogen-Doped Carbon-Coated Li[Ni_0.8Co_0.15Al_0.05]O₂ for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Li[Ni_0.8Co_0.15Al_0.05]O₂ (NCA) is a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries and has high power density and capacity. However, this material has disadvantages such as structural instability and short lifespan. To address these issues, herein, we explore the impact of N-doped carbon wrapping on NCA. Sericin, an easily obtained carbon- and nitrogen-rich component of silk cocoons, is utilized as the precursor material. The electrochemical performance evaluation of N-doped carbon-coated NCA shows that the capacity retention of 0.3 NC@NCA at 1C current density is 69.83% after 200 cycles, which is about 19% higher than the 50.65% capacity retention of bare NCA. The results reveal that the sericin-resultant N-doped carbon surface wrapping improves the cycling stability of NC@NCA.