Enhanced electrochemical performance of Li-rich layered cathode materials by surface modification with P2O5

Rate capability and charge/discharge coulombic efficiency of Li-rich layered oxides was greatly improved by surface modification with P2O5 through a gas-solid reaction. The P2O5 treatment results in forming a uniform nanoscale coating layer of ionically conductive Li3PO4 and spinel-like material on Li-rich layered oxide particles. The resulting material delivers a charge/discharge coulombic efficiency of 90% compared with 81% of the pristine sample during the first cycle. The treated electrode also exhibits improved rate capability with a reversible capacity of 148 mAh g(-1) at 4 C-rate vs. 269 mAh g(-1) at 0.1 C-rate between 2.0 and 4.8 V. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.