Elucidation of LixNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 Redox Chemistry by Operando Raman Spectroscopy

Abstract

The local structure evolution of LixNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 (NCA) is linked to its electrochemical response during cycling (and overcharge) by operando Raman spectroscopy with findings supported by complementary techniques, such as online electrochemical mass spectrometry (OEMS) and density functional theory (DFT) phonon calculations. The vibrational motion of lattice oxygens is observed to be highly dependent on the local LixMO2 lattice environment, e.g. M—O bonding strength/length and state of lithiation x. All vibrational modes generally harden upon delithiation due to M—O bond character (ionic → covalent) evolution (disregarding an early bond softening due to Li+ vacancy formation) and evidence the important influence of the local structural lattice configuration on the electrochemical response of NCA. Although the intensities of all Raman active bands generally increase upon delithiation, a major inflection point at x = 0.2 marks the onset of a partly irreversible fundamental transition within NCA that i...