High rate capability caused by surface cubic spinels in Li-rich layer-structured cathodes for Li-ion batteries

Modified Li-rich layered cathode Li(Li(0.2)Mn(0.54)Ni(0.13)Co(0.13))O(2) has been synthesized by a simple strategy of using surface treatment with various amounts (0–30 wt.%) of Super P (carbon black). Based on detailed characterizations from X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), it is suggested that the phase transformation from Li(2)MnO(3)-type of structure to spinel-like phase take place at the surface regions of particles during post annealing process at 350°C, leading to increase in both first coulombic efficiency and rate capability, from 78% and 100 mAh·g(−1) (charge capacity at 2500 mA·g(−1)) of the pristine material to 93.4% and 200 mAh·g(−1). The evidences of spinel formation and the reasons for electrochemical enhancement are systematically investigated.