Improved electrochemical properties of Li1.2Ni0.18Mn0.59Co0.03O2 by surface modification with LiCoPO4

Lithium-rich nickel–manganese–cobalt oxide, Li1.2Ni0.18Mn0.59Co0.03O2, prepared by spray-dry process, exhibits rapid capacity fade and poor rate capability. The surface of Li1.2Ni0.18Mn0.59Co0.03O2 can be modified with LiCoPO4 through co-precipitation method in order to improve its electrochemical properties. The resultant LiCoPO4 particles are in nano-scale and accumulate on the surface of the Li1.2Ni0.18Mn0.59Co0.03O2 particles. The surface modification by LiCoPO4 is shown to significantly improve both the cyclic performance and the rate capability of Li1.2Ni0.18Mn0.59Co0.03O2.

► Li[Li0.2Ni0.18Mn0.59Co0.03]O2 was prepared by Spray dry method.
► Li[Li0.2Ni0.18Mn0.59Co0.03]O2 was modified with LiCoPO4 by Co-precipitation.
► LiCoPO4 particles are about 20 nm and could not form a uniform thin layer.
► LiCoPO4 modification upgrades the cycleability of Li[Li0.2Ni0.18Mn0.59Co0.03]O2.
► LiCoPO4 modification improves the rate capability of Li[Li0.2Ni0.18Mn0.59Co0.03]O2.