Sb-Doped high-voltage LiCoO₂ enabled improved structural stability and rate capability for high-performance Li-ion...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Solid-State Chemistry

Background:

• High-voltage lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO₂) is a key cathode material for lithium-ion batteries.
• Enhancing the rate capability and cycling stability of LiCoO₂ is crucial for advanced energy storage applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop antimony (Sb)-doped high-voltage LiCoO₂ with enhanced electrochemical properties.
• To investigate the structural and electrochemical effects of Sb doping in LiCoO₂.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of Sb-doped LiCoO₂.
• In situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) for structural analysis during lithiation.
• Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations to understand ion diffusion mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Sb doping was successfully achieved in high-voltage LiCoO₂.
• In situ XRD and DFT revealed that Sb shortens Li⁺ diffusion pathways and increases lattice spacing.
• The material exhibited improved structural stability during deep lithiation.

Conclusions:

• Antimony doping significantly enhances the rate capability and cycling performance of LiCoO₂.
• The improved properties are attributed to optimized Li⁺ diffusion and structural integrity provided by Sb.