Mechano-Chemo-Electrochemically Booming Nickel-Rich Layered Cathode Electrochemical Performance

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Surface Chemistry

Background:

• Nickel-rich layered transition metal oxides are crucial for high-energy-density batteries.
• Their practical use is limited by rapid capacity decay due to electrolyte reactions, cracking, and surface phase changes during cycling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To improve the electrochemical performance of nickel-rich layered transition metal oxides.
• To address capacity decay by mitigating side reactions, crack formation, and surface phase changes.

Main Methods:

• Experimental realization of a surface nanolayer on nickel-rich layered transition metal oxides.
• Detailed atomic structure analysis to understand the nanolayer's function.
• Evaluation of electrochemical performance enhancement.

Main Results:

• The surface nanolayer effectively consumes residual lithium, suppressing electrolyte side reactions.
• It reduces crack formation caused by volume variations during charging/discharging.
• The nanolayer minimizes surface phase changes, enhancing long-term cycling stability.

Conclusions:

• A novel mechano-chemo-electrochemical coupling effect was achieved via a surface nanolayer.
• This design simultaneously improves mechanical, chemical, and electrochemical properties.
• The strategy offers a promising pathway for developing advanced nickel-rich layered transition metal oxides for energy storage applications.