Local Electric-Field-Driven Fast Li Diffusion Kinetics at the Piezoelectric LiTaO3 Modified Li-Rich Cathode–Electrolyte Interphase

As one of the most promising cathodes for next-generation lithium ion batteries (LIBs), Li-rich materials have been extensively investigated for their high energy densities. However, the practical application of Li-rich cathodes is extremely retarded by the sluggish electrode–electrolyte interface kinetics and structure instability. In this context, piezoelectric LiTaO 3 is employed to functionalize the surface of Li 1.2 Ni 0.17 Mn 0.56 Co 0.07 O 2 (LNMCO), aiming to boost the interfacial Li + transport process in LIBs. The results demonstrate that the 2 wt% LiTaO 3 -LNMCO electrode exhibits a stable capacity of 209.2 mAh g −1 at 0.1 C after 200 cycles and 172.4 mAh g −1 at 3 C. Further investigation reveals that such superior electrochemical performances of the LiTaO 3 modified electrode results from the additional driving force from the piezoelectric LiTaO 3 layer in promoting Li + diffusion at the interface, as well as the stabilized bulk structure of LNMCO. The supplemented LiTaO 3 layer on the LNMCO surface herein, sheds new light on the development of better Li-rich cathodes toward high energy density applications.