The effect of coating thickness on the electrochemical properties of a Li-La-Ti-O-coated Li[Ni0.3Co0.4Mn0.3]O 2 cathode

Abstract

A Li[Ni0.3Co0.4Mn0.3]O2 cathode was modified by coating with Li-La-Ti-O, and the effect of the coating thickness on their electrochemical properties was studied. The thickness of the coating on the surface of Li[Ni0.3Co0.4Mn0.3]O2 was increased by increasing the wt % of the coating material. The rate capability of the Li-La-Ti-O-coated electrode was superior to that of the pristine sample. 1- and 2-wt %-coated samples showed considerable improvement in capacity retention at high C rates. However, the rate capability of a 5-wt %-coated sample decreased. All the coated samples showed a high discharge capacity and slightly improved cyclic performance under a high cut-off voltage (4.8 V) condition. Results of a storage test confirmed that the Li-La-Ti-O coating layer was effective in suppressing the dissolution of the transition metals as it offered protection from the attack of the acidic electrolyte. In particular, the 2- and 5-wt %-coated samples showed a better protection effect than the 1-wt %-coated sample.