Terephthalic Acid Surface-Functionalized Ni-Rich LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 Cathode with Enhanced Electrochemical Performances

Although the LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) material has a high energy density,poor cyclingstability and inferior rate capability restrict its commercialization.Surface modification is an effective strategy to improve the electrochemicalperformance of the NCM811 cathode. Herein, terephthalic acid (TPA)is introduced as a surface-modifying material to functionalize theNCM811 because of its multiple advantages, such as reducing the surfacealkalinity and activity of the NCM811, providing a vast electronicchannel and Li+ diffusion pathway, and inhibiting irreversiblephase transition. As proof, the as-optimized 1TPA@NCM811 cathode deliversan enhanced initial discharge specific capacity over 216 mA h g(-1), an optimized rate capability up to 5C, and a reducedirreversible capacity loss after 100 charge-discharge cyclingtimes at 1C. Therefore, this work provides a potential pathway toeffectively boost the electrochemical performance of the NCM811 cathodefor its practical application.