Metal-Ligand π Interactions in Lithium-Rich Li2RhO3 Cathode Material Activate Bimodal Anionic Redox

Li-rich oxide (LRO) cathodes that exhibit anionic redox activity can boost the energy density of Li-ion batteries. Oxygen redox in LROs can originate from the charge compensation of pure O 2p nonbonding (NB) states; however, the high charging voltages cause much safety concerns in practical applications. Exploiting new anionic redox modes that can be used at low voltages is thus imperative. In view of this, a further understanding of the anionic redox behavior with respect to metal-ligand interactions in LROs is highly desired. In this study, by analyzing the orbital combinations of transition metals (TMs) and O in LROs, the prevalence of pi-type, sigma-type, and NB states is investigated. Highly covalent Li2RhO3 with strong pi-type interactions is selected as a model material. Owing to the closer energy levels of O and Rh and the orbital vacancy of Rh-4, oxygen acts as a pi-electron donor to central Rh and exhibits high reactivity in the occupied anti-bonding state, showing a novel low-voltage O redox which is distinct from high-voltage NB O redox. This pi-type oxygen redox mode expands the fundamental theories of anionic redox and provides a new design route to achieve high-capacity Li-rich cathode materials.

Automated summary

Understanding the anionic redox behavior with respect to metal-ligand interactions in Li-rich oxide cathodes is crucial for developing high-capacity battery materials. By analyzing the orbital combinations of transition metals and oxygen in LROs, it was found that a pi-type oxygen redox mode can be achieved at low voltages, expanding the fundamental theories of anionic redox and providing a new design route for high-capacity cathode materials. The interaction between oxygen and central Rh in Li2RhO3 demonstrates high reactivity in the occupied anti-bonding state, showing a novel low-voltage oxygen redox mechanism.