Improving the Capacity Retention of LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 by ZrO2 Coating

Abstract

The effect of ZrO2-coating on the electrochemical properties of the cathode material LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 was investigated using EPMA, TEM, and EIS. In particular, we focused on the distribution of the ZrO2 on the particle surface to study the relation between electrochemical properties of the coated cathode and the distribution of the coating materials in the particle. Based on the results from the composition analysis and electrochemical tests, it was found that the coating layer consisted of nano-sized ZrO2 particles attached non-uniformly on the particle surface and the ZrO2 layer significantly improved the electrochemical properties of the cathode by suppressing the impedance growth at the interface between the electrodes and the electrolyte.