(Digital Presentation) Surface Modifications of Cathodes By Coating: A Step Towards Improving the Electrochemical Performance of Lithium Ion Batteries (LIBs)

Abstract

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been widely utilized as power sources for mobile devices. Recently, their use has been expanded to large-scale applications such as electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems (ESSs). These batteries have dominated the energy industry due to their unmatchable properties that include a high energy density, a compact design, and an ability to meet a number of required performance characteristics in comparison to other rechargeable systems. Two vital parameters for LIBs are their stable and safe operation. Since, the cathode serves as a central component of LIBs, the overall cell performance is significantly affected by the chemical and physical properties of the cathode. Cathodes tend to react with the electrolytes and, hence, undergo surface modifications accompanied by degradation. These side-reactions result in an erosion of battery performance and rate capability, thereby causing a reduced battery life and power capacity. Surface coating is the most simple, economical and effective method to protect the cathode surface from degradation and detrimental interfacial reactions with the electrolyte. For the present investigation, a variety of coatings have been used to coat cathode surface. The aim is to explore the effect of these coatings on the physicochemical characteristics as well as electrochemical and thermal properties of spinel cathode using characterization techniques like scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential thermal analysis (DTA)/ thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).