Modification research of LiAlO2-coated LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 as a cathode material for lithium-ion battery

The LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 with LiAlO2 coating was obtained by hydrolysis–hydrothermal method. The morphology of the composite was characterized by SEM, TEM, and EDS. The results showed that the LiAlO2 layer was almost completely covered on the surface of particle, and the thickness of coating was about 8–12 nm. The LiAlO2 coating suppressed side reaction between composite and electrolyte; thus, the electrochemical performance of the LiAlO2-coated LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 was improved at 40 °C. The LiAlO2-coated sample delivered a high discharge capacity of 181.2 mAh g−1 (1 C) with 93.5% capacity retention after 100 cycles at room temperature and 87.4% capacity retention after 100 cycles at 40 °C. LiAlO2-coated material exhibited an excellent cycling stability and thermal stability compared with the pristine material. These works will contribute to the battery structure optimization and design.