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Plasma-engineered LiF/Al2O3 hybrid CEI for high-rate and stable LiFePO4 cathodes
Peng Dong1, Zhipeng Xie1, Fupeng Li1
1Key Laboratory for Nonferrous Vacuum Metallurgy of Yunnan Province, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, China; National Engineering Research Center of Vacuum Metallurgy, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, China; Faculty of Metallurgical and Energy Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, China.
Plasma engineering creates a novel LiF + Al2O3 cathode-electrolyte interphase (CEI) for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. This new CEI enhances ion transport and stability, improving battery performance and lifespan.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Plasma Science
Background:
- Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathodes offer excellent stability and rate capability but suffer from slow Li+ transport and parasitic reactions at the cathode-electrolyte interphase (CEI).
- These limitations hinder LFP battery performance, leading to capacity fade and voltage decay.
- Developing effective CEI modification strategies is crucial for advancing LFP battery technology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer a hybrid LiF + Al2O3-rich CEI on LFP electrodes using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma.
- To investigate the impact of the engineered CEI on Li+ transport kinetics, interfacial stability, and electrochemical performance.
- To provide a novel in situ method for CEI construction in LFP cathodes.
Main Methods:
- Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma treatment was used for in situ construction of a LiF + Al2O3-rich CEI on LFP electrodes.
- Electrochemical performance was evaluated using techniques such as cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge cycling, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
- Material characterization techniques were employed to analyze the composition and structure of the engineered CEI.
Main Results:
- The engineered CEI exhibited high Li+ conductivity and structural stability without conventional fluorinating or aluminizing agents.
- LFP cathodes with the LiF + Al2O3-rich CEI demonstrated superior high-rate performance (105 mAh g-1 at 20C) and excellent cycling stability (94% capacity retention after 1000 cycles).
- Significant mitigation of voltage decay (268 mV polarization after 1000 cycles) and remarkable ultrahigh-rate performance (103 mAh g-1 at 40C) were achieved. Full cells with hard carbon anodes showed a reversible capacity of 112 mAh g-1 at 5C.
Conclusions:
- DBD plasma-assisted interface engineering is an effective strategy for constructing a hybrid LiF + Al2O3-rich CEI.
- The engineered CEI significantly enhances Li+ transport and suppresses interfacial side reactions, leading to improved LFP cathode performance.
- This research offers a promising new avenue for in situ CEI modification in LFP batteries and other electrochemical energy storage systems.
