Improving the electrochemical performance of Li1.2Ni0.13Co0.13Mn0.54O2 cathode material by In2O3 coating

Li-excess Mn-based material is an important alternative cathode material for next-generation lithium-ion batteries due to its extra-high capacity. However, the capacity and voltage attenuation and the poor rate performance during charging and discharging limit its applications. In this research, In2O3 is introduced as a surface layer to improve the cycling and rate performances of the Li1.2Ni0.13Co0.13Mn0.54O2 material. Results show that the sample modified with 1 wt% In2O3 could reach a capacity retention of 80.3% after cycling at 5C, which is much higher than that of untreated sample (65.2%). Besides, the discharge capacities at 0.1C and 5C are also improved after the surface modification. Reasons for the improvements are attributed to be the reduced charge transfer resistance and the stabilized electrode/electrolyte interface. Our result indicate that In2O3 surface layer can suppress the side reactions and maintain the stability of the surface structure of cathode, which might be an effective strategy to enhance the cycling and rate performances of other high-capacity cathode materials.