Accelerated Evolution of Surface Chemistry Determined by Temperature and Cycling History in Nickel-Rich Layered Cathode Materials

• DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b06399
• Publication Date: 2018-06-19T20:54:53Z
• Authors: James D. Steiner; Linqin Mu; Julia Walsh; Muhammad Mominur ...; Benjamin Zydlewski; F. Marc Michel; Huolin L. Xin; Dennis Nordlund; Feng Lin
• Keywords: Degradation; Oxygen evolution

Nickel-rich layered cathode materials have the potential to enable cheaper and higher energy lithium ion batteries. However, these face major challenges (e.g., surface reconstruction, microcracking, oxygen evolution) that can hinder safety cycle life of Many studies nickel-rich focused on ways improve performance. Understanding effects temperature cycling chemical structural transformations is essential assess performance suitability for practical battery applications. The present study spectroscopic analysis changes within a strong performing LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) material. We found gradient metal reduction, loss, dissolution) occurred quicker deeper than expected at temperatures. Even lower temperatures, degradation rapidly eventually matched high Despite transformations, our results showed better NMC possible. Establishing relationships between atomic, structural, chemical, physical properties their behavior during cycling, as we done here NMC811, opens possibility developing batteries with longer life. Finally, also suggests separate, systematic, elaborate chemistry necessary each composition electrolyte environment.