High rate capability caused by surface cubic spinels in Li-rich layer-structured cathodes for Li-ion batteries

Modified Li-rich layered cathode Li(Li0.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13)O2 has been synthesized by a simple strategy of using surface treatment with various amounts (0-30 wt.%) of Super P (carbon black). Based on detailed characterizations from X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), it is suggested that the phase transformation from Li2MnO3-type of structure to spinel-like phase take place at the surface regions of particles during post annealing process at 350 °C, leading to increase in both first coulombic efficiency and rate capability, from 78% and 100 mAh · g(-1) (charge capacity at 2500 mA · g(-1)) of the pristine material to 93.4% and 200 mAh · g(-1). The evidences of spinel formation and the reasons for electrochemical enhancement are systematically investigated.