A Mild Surface Washing Method Using Protonated Polyaniline for Ni-rich LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 Material of Lithium Ion Batteries. (10th September 2017) - Xu, Sheng
Graphical abstract: Highlights: The residual lithium compounds are significantly reduced by polyaniline washing. The capacity and cyclability of washed LiNi0.8 Co0.1 Mn0.1 O2 material are increased. The polyaniline washing process has no harmful effect on the surface structure. The Li + diffusion and electronic conductivity are improved. Abstract: The residual lithium compounds on the surface of Ni-rich layered LiNix Coy Mn1-x-y O2 materials are detrimental to their electrochemical properties. This study reports a mild polyaniline (PANI) washing method to effectively reduce the residual lithium compounds on the surface of LiNi0.8 Co0.1 Mn0.1 O2 material without any harmful effects on its structural integrity. After the PANI washing process, the rate and cycling performance of LiNi0.8 Co0.1 Mn0.1 O2 material are significantly enhanced. The as-obtained LiNi0.8 Co0.1 Mn0.1 O2 material exhibits a discharge capacity of 160.65 mAh g −1 and a capacity retention of 86.95% after 100 cycles at 55 °C and the current rate of 2C, which are much higher than those of pristine material (131.57 mAh g −1 and 74.90%). The performance enhancement mechanism is the reduction of surface residual lithium compounds due to the PANI washing process, leading to the improvement of lithium ions diffusion and electron transport. Furthermore, some PANI can be left and coated on the surface of LiNi0.8 Co0.1 Mn0.1 O2 material via the washing process, which forms more stable interface film, resulting in even better cycling capability. This study provides a promising strategy for the surface modification of Ni-rich layered oxide materials for lithium ion batteries.