Multifunctional surface modification to enhance the electrochemical performance of lithium-rich manganese-based cathode materials

Abstract

The preparation of high-performance lithium-rich manganese-based cathode materials (LLOs) require attention to the redox of anions and the migration of transition metals (TM) during the cycling process. In this study, Ce ion-doped Li-rich cathode coated with La0.2Ce0.8O2, which has abundant oxygen vacancies on its surface, was prepared. The presence of the oxygen storage material La0.2Ce0.8O2 can effectively absorb the irreversible oxygen generated during cycling, preventing it from reacting with the electrolyte to form thick cathode electrolyte interface (CEI) coatings. These coatings hinder the relative activity of lattice oxygen in the bulk phase, reducing the specific capacity of the material. Additionally, the 5d metal ion Ce carries a large nuclear charge, causing a 'pinning effect' when it integrates into the LLOs structure. This effect reduces thermal oscillation in the lattice, impedes TM migration during battery charging and discharging, and effectively prevents voltage decay. Results indicate that after 100 cycles at 1C and 25 °C, the surface-coated materials maintain a discharge-specific capacity of 194 mAh/g, compared to 158 mAh/g for uncoated material. Voltage decay decreased from 4.4 mV/cycle to 1.8 mV/cycle, with an ICE of 91.5 % versus the original material's 82.8 %. The modified material also exhibits improved rate performance, retaining a specific capacity of 162 mAh/g at 3C, in contrast to the original material's 123 mAh/g.