In Situ X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopic Study of Li1.05Ni0.35Co0.25Mn0.4O2 Cathode Material Coated with LiCoO2

Abstract

After the recent upsurge of interest in the layered system for use as a cathode material for rechargeable lithium batteries, we have studied the charge compensation mechanism and structural perturbations occurring during cycling of the novel layered system of coated with nano-crystallized , which effectively improved the rate capability. In addition, the evidently suppressed any structural change of the . In situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements were performed utilizing a novel in situ electrochemical cell, specifically designed for long-term X-ray experiments. The cell was cycled at a moderate rate through a typical Li-ion battery operating voltage range . The electrode contained of on a Al foil, and had an area of . XAS measurements were performed at different states of charge (SOC) during cycling, at the Ni, Co, and the Mn edges, revealing details about the response of the cathode to Li insertion and extraction processes. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure region of the spectra revealed the changes of bond distance and coordination number of Ni, Co, and Mn absorbers as a function of the SOC of the material. We found that the oxidation states of the transition metals in the system are , , and in the fully discharged condition. During charging the is oxidized to through an intermediate stage of , is oxidized almost to . Utilizing a combination of Faraday’s calculation and XAS results, the Co was found to be at at the end of the charge, whereas Mn was found to be electrochemically inactive and remains as . These measurements on this cathode material confirmed that the material retains its symmetry and good structural short-range order leading to superior cycling.