Surface-modified Li[Li0.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13]O2 nanoparticles with LaF3 as cathode for Li-ion battery

The LaF3-coated Li[Li0.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13]O2 nanoparticles were synthesized via co-precipitation method followed by simple chemical deposition process. The crystal structure, particle morphology, and electrochemical properties of the bare and coated materials were studied by XRD, SEM, TEM, charge–discharge tests. The results showed that the surface coating on Li[Li0.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13]O2 nanoparticles were amorphous LaF3 layer with a thickness of about 10–30 nm. After the surface modification with LaF3 films, the coating layer served as a protective layer to suppress the side reaction between the positive electrode and electrolyte, and the Li[Li0.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13]O2 oxide demonstrated the improved electrochemical properties. The LaF3-coated Li[Li0.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13]O2 electrode delivered the capacities of 270.5, 247.9, 197.1, 170.0, 142.7, and 109.5 mAh g−1 at current rates of 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 C rate, respectively. Besides, the capacity retention was increased from 85.1 to 94.8 % after 100 cycles at 0.5 C rate. It implied surface modification with LaF3 played an important role to improve the cyclic stability and rate capacity of the Li-rich nickel manganese oxides.