AlF3-coated LiCoO2 and Li[Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3]O2 blend composite cathode for lithium ion batteries

Surface modifications of electrode materials can improve the electrochemical and thermal properties of cathodes for use in lithium batteries. In this study, AlF3-coated LiCoO2 and AlF3-coated Li[Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3]O2 cathode materials are blended, as both have the same crystal structure and exhibit similar electrochemical properties. The composite electrodes exhibit high discharge capacities of 180–188 mAh g−1 in a voltage range of 3.0–4.5 V at room temperature. The capacity retention of the composite electrode is greater than 95% of the initial capacity after 50 cycles. The thermal stability of these composite electrodes is greatly improved because of the superior thermal stability of AlF3-coated Li[Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3]O2. The blended AlF3-coated LiCoO2 and AlF3-coated Li[Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3]O2 electrode shows two exothermic peaks, one at 227 °C from AlF3-coated LiCoO2 and another at 277 °C from AlF3-coated Li[Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3]O2, accompanied by significantly reduced exothermic heat generation.