Microstructure boosting the cycling stability of LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 cathode through Zr-based dual modification

Abstract Ni-rich NCM (LiNixCoyMnzO2, 0.6≤x 4.3 V) are applied on these materials. Consequently, the batteries will suffer from aggravated side reactions at the cathode/electrolyte interface and the inherent instabilities of Ni-rich NCM cathodes, and thus exhibit rapid capacity fading and voltage decay. Herein, we report a facile and scalable strategy that employs Zr doping concurrent with LixZryOz surface coating, contributing to outstanding capacity retentions of 97.8% at 0.2C and 91.6% at 2C after 100 cycles over 2.8-4.5 V. The improved cycling stability can be attributed to the enhanced bulk stability and suppressed nonequilibrium diffusion reactions, which are further ascribed to the reduced oxygen vacancies and optimized microstructure.