Stabilizing Nickel‐Rich Cathodes in Aqueous Process through Nanocellulose as Water Barrier

Abstract

Nickel‐rich LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NMC 811) cathode offers high voltage and high specific capacity, making it promising for high energy density batteries. However, large‐scale manufacturing of aqueous‐processed NMC 811 electrodes remains challenging due to proton exchange causing material decomposition and capacity loss. This work addresses this issue by constructing an in situ nanocellulose protective layer for NMC 811 particles via electrostatic interactions during the slurry preparation. For the first time, the interatomic spacing between inter‐chains of nanocellulose is measured through wide‐angle X‐ray scattering and demonstrate the ability to effectively confine interlayer water using atomistic simulations. Moreover, this nanocellulose coverage simultaneously minimizes Li+ surface segregation and mitigates water infiltration. Owing to less material decomposition during the aqueous processing, nanocellulose‐protected NMC electrodes exhibit higher initial coulombic efficiency (83% vs 62% at 0.1C) and capacity (133 vs 59 mAh g−1 at 6C) than unprotected electrodes. Additionally, optimized aqueous‐processed NMC electrodes offer comparable or even superior electrochemical properties compared to the electrodes fabricated using the conventional toxic organic solvent, N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone. Consequently, the developed approach enables affordable, sustainable aqueous processing for Nickel‐rich NMC 811 cathodes with excellent electrochemical performances.