Ni-rich
high-energy-density lithium ion batteries pose great risks
to safety due to internal short circuits and overcharging; they also
have poor performance because of cation mixing and disordering problems.
For Ni-rich layered cathodes, these factors cause gas evolution, the
formation of side products, and life cycle decay. In this study, a
new cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) for Ni2+ self-oxidation
is developed. By using a branched oligomer electrode additive, the
new CEI is formed and prevents the reduction of Ni3+ to
Ni2+ on the surface of Ni-rich layered cathode; this maintains
the layered structure and the cation mixing during cycling. In addition,
this new CEI ensures the stability of Ni4+ that is formed
at 100% state of charge in the crystal lattice at high temperature
(660 K); this prevents the rock-salt formation and the over-reduction
of Ni4+ to Ni2+. These findings are obtained
using in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy, operando X-ray diffraction,
operando gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron
spectroscopy. Transmission electron microscopy reveals that the new
CEI has an elliptical shape on the material surface, which is approximately
100 nm in length and 50 nm in width, and covers selected particle
surfaces. After the new CEI was formed on the surface, the Ni2+ self-oxidation gradually affects from the surface to the bulk of the material. It found that the
bond energy and bond length of the Ni–O are stabilized, which
dramatically inhibit gas evolution. The new CEI is successfully applied
in a Ni-rich layered compound, and the 18650- and the punch-type full
cells are fabricated. The energy density of the designed cells is
up to 300 Wh/kg. Internal short circuit and overcharging safety tests
are passed when using the standard regulations of commercial evaluation.
This new CEI technology is ready and planned for future applications
in electric vehicle and energy storage.