Construction of Inorganic-Rich Cathode Electrolyte Interphase on Co-Free Cathodes

Lithium-rich layered oxides (LRLOs), with the chemical formula of xLi₂MnO₃·(1 - x)LiMO₂, delivering higher specific discharge capacity, are potential cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries. However, the dissolution of transition metal ions and the instability of the cathode-electrolyte interphase (CEI) hinder the commercial application of LRLOs. Herein, a simple and affordable method is developed for the construction of a robust CEI layer by quenching a kind of cobalt-free LRLO, Li_1.2Ni_0.15Fe_0.1Mn_0.55O₂ (denoted as NFM), in 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl-2,2,2-trifluoroethyl ether solvent. This robust CEI, with well-distributed LiF, TMF, and partial organic component CF, performs as a physical barrier to prevent NFM from direct contact with the electrolyte, suppresses the oxygen release, and ensures the CEI layer stability. The customized CEI with LiF and TMF-rich phase considerably enhances the NFM cycle stability and the initial coulomb efficiency and inhibits voltage fading. This work provides a valuable strategy for designing stable interface chemistry on the cathode of lithium-ion batteries.