Building ultraconformal protective layers on both secondary and primary particles of layered lithium transition metal oxide cathodes

Gui Liang Xu, Qiang Liu, Kenneth K.S. Lau, Yuzi Liu, Xiang Liu, Han Gao, Xinwei Zhou, Minghao Zhuang, Yang Ren, Jiadong Li, Minhua Shao, Minggao Ouyang, Feng Pan, Zonghai Chen, Khalil Amine, Guohua Chen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

407 Scopus citations

Abstract

Despite their relatively high capacity, layered lithium transition metal oxides suffer from crystal and interfacial structural instability under aggressive electrochemical and thermal driving forces, leading to rapid performance degradation and severe safety concerns. Here we report a transformative approach using an oxidative chemical vapour deposition technique to build a protective conductive polymer (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)) skin on layered oxide cathode materials. The ultraconformal poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) skin facilitates the transport of lithium ions and electrons, significantly suppresses the undesired layered to spinel/rock-salt phase transformation and the associated oxygen loss, mitigates intergranular and intragranular mechanical cracking, and effectively stabilizes the cathode–electrolyte interface. This approach remarkably enhances the capacity and thermal stability under high-voltage operation. Building a protective skin at both secondary and primary particle levels of layered oxides offers a promising design strategy for Ni-rich cathodes towards high-energy, long-life and safe lithium-ion batteries.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)484-494
Number of pages11
JournalNature Energy
Volume4
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1 2019
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Fuel Technology
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Building ultraconformal protective layers on both secondary and primary particles of layered lithium transition metal oxide cathodes'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this