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Surface-targeted functionalization of nickel-rich cathodes through synergistic slurry additive approach with multi-level impact using minimal quantity

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Abstract

LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811), a Ni-rich layered oxide, is a promising cathode material for high-energy density lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, its structural instability, caused by adverse phase transitions and continuous oxygen release, as well as deteriorated interfacial stability due to excessive electrolyte oxidative decomposition, limits its widespread application. To address these issues, a new concept is proposed that surface targeted precise functionalization (STPF) of the NCM811 cathode using a synergistic slurry additive (SSA) approach. This approach involves coating the NCM811 particle surface with 3-aminopropyl dimethoxy methyl silane (3-ADMS), followed by the precise deposition of ascorbic acid via an acid-base interaction. The slurry additives induce the formation of an ultra-thin spinel surface layer and a stable cathode-electrolyte interface (CEI), which enhances the electrochemical kinetics and inhibits crack propagation. The STPF strategy implemented by the SSA approach significantly improves the cyclic stability and rate performance of the NCM811 cathode in both half-cell and full-cell configurations. This work establishes a promising strategy to enhance the structural stability and electrochemical performance of nickel-rich cathodes and provides a feasible route to promote practical applications of high-energy density lithium-ion battery technology.

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Acknowledgements

This work was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 21965034, 52061135110, U1903217, 52162036, 22065033, 21905242, and 22075305), the Key Project of Nature Science Foundation of Xinjiang Province (No. 2021D01D08), the Xinjiang Autonomous Region Major Projects (Nos. 2022A01005-4 and 2021A01001-1), the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province (No. LD22E020003), the Ningbo Science & Technology Innovation 2025 Major Project (No. 2020Z024), the Foundation of State Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Utilization of Carbon-based Energy Resource (No. KFKT2022004), and Key Laboratory of Bio-based Polymeric Materials of Zhejiang Province.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Utilization of Carbon Based Energy Resources; College of Chemistry, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830017, China

    Jing Zhang, Jiapei Li, Wenhua Cheng & Yudai Huang

  2. Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology & Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315201, China

    Jing Zhang, Jiapei Li, Longhao Cao, Ziyin Guo, Xiuxia Zuo, Ya-Jun Cheng & Yonggao Xia

  3. School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200240, China

    Chao Wang

  4. Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China

    Yonggao Xia

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  1. Jing Zhang
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  2. Jiapei Li
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  3. Longhao Cao
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  4. Wenhua Cheng
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  7. Chao Wang
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  8. Ya-Jun Cheng
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  9. Yonggao Xia
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Correspondence to Ya-Jun Cheng, Yonggao Xia or Yudai Huang.

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Surface-targeted functionalization of nickel-rich cathodes through synergistic slurry additive approach with multi-level impact using minimal quantity

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Zhang, J., Li, J., Cao, L. et al. Surface-targeted functionalization of nickel-rich cathodes through synergistic slurry additive approach with multi-level impact using minimal quantity. Nano Res. 17, 333–343 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12274-023-5960-z

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