Simplified Spray Pyrolysis Synthesis Enabling a Novel Dual-Doping Strategy for Ultrahigh-Rate Ni-Rich Cathode...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Solid-state Chemistry

Background:

• Nickel-rich cathode materials face challenges like Li/Ni cation mixing and lattice strain, hindering performance.
• Single-atom doping offers limited improvements to structural and electrochemical properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a Zr-Ti co-doping strategy for Ni-rich cathode materials using spray pyrolysis.
• To enhance structural stability and electrochemical performance by synergistically doping with Zr and Ti.

Main Methods:

• Utilized spray pyrolysis for homogeneous Zr-Ti co-doping of Ni-rich NCA (LiNi0.85Co0.10Al0.04Zr0.007Ti0.003O2) microspheres.
• Employed Li-containing precursor droplets for uniform elemental distribution.
• Performed short-time, low-temperature calcination.

Main Results:

• Synergistic Zr-Ti doping suppressed phase transitions and stabilized the oxygen sublattice.
• Microcrack formation was mitigated without increasing Li/Ni disorder.
• Achieved excellent high-rate capability (161 mA h g-1 at 10C) in the co-doped material.

Conclusions:

• Zr-Ti co-doping combined with spray pyrolysis offers a scalable and effective strategy for enhancing Ni-rich cathode materials.
• This approach concurrently improves rate performance and structural integrity.
• Provides a generalizable framework for next-generation cathode materials.