Enhanced electrochemical performance of ZrO2 modified LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 cathode material for lithium ion batteries

LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 (NCM622) cathode has been modified by incorporating ZrO2 nanoparticles to improve its electrochemical performance. Compared to the pristine electrode, the cycling stability and rate capability of 0.5 wt% ZrO2 modified-NCM622 have been improved significantly. The 0.5 wt% ZrO2 modified-NCM622 cathode shows a capacity retention of 83.8% after 100 cycles at 0.1 C between 2.8 and 4.3 V, while that of the pristine NCM622 electrode is only 75.6%. When the current rate is set as 5C, the capacity retention of the 0.5 wt% ZrO2-modified NCM622 is 10% higher than that of the pristine NCM622. Also, the rate capability of 0.5 wt% ZrO2-modified NCM622 is better than that of the pristine NCM622 at various C-rates in a voltage range of 2.8-4.3 V. The enhanced electrochemical performances of the ZrO2-modified NCM622 cathodes can be attributed to their high Li-ion conductivity and structural stability.