The effect of AlF3 modification on the physicochemical and electrochemical properties of Li-rich layered oxide

Lithium (Li)-rich layered oxides are considered promising cathode materials for Li-ion batteries because of their favorable properties. Here, we report our recent finding in the novel oxide, aluminum fluoride (AlF3)-modified Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 (LMNCAF), which was synthesized via a facile, cost-effective and readily scalable solid-state reaction. LMNCAF possess an F and Al co-doped core structure with a LiF nano-coating on its surface which leads to considerably enhancement in the electrochemical performance of the oxide. The initial discharge capacity (at 0.05 C) increased from 212 mA h g−1 for Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 to 291 mA h g−1 for LMNCAF. A much higher discharge capacity of 211 mA h g−1 was obtained for LMNCAF after 99 charge/discharge cycles at 0.2 C compared with that of Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 (160 mA h g−1). Our preliminary results suggest that AlF3 modification is an effective strategy to tailor the physicochemical and electrochemical properties of Li-rich layered oxides.