N-(triphenylphosphoranylidene) aniline as a novel electrolyte additive for high voltage LiCoO2 operations in lithium ion batteries

► N-(triphenylphosphoranylidene) anline as an additive for high voltage operation ► TPPA exhibits superior capacity retention to the reference cell with no additive. ► Enhanced cycling performance is due to the modified surface film on LiCoO2. ► The modified surface films on LiCoO2 suppress the decomposition of electrolyte.