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 (AlF 3 )-modified Li 1.2 Mn 0.54 Ni 0.13 Co 0.13 O 2 (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 Li 1.2 Mn 0.54 Ni 0.13 Co 0.13 O 2 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 Li 1.2 Mn 0.54 Ni 0.13 Co 0.13 O 2 (160   mA   h   g −1 ). Our preliminary results suggest that AlF 3 modification is an effective strategy to tailor the physicochemical and electrochemical properties of Li-rich layered oxides.