High-Ni layered-oxide cathodes are the most prospective cathode materials for next-generation Li-ion batteries (LIBs) in electric vehicles (EVs) owing to their high specific capacity. However, High-Ni layered-oxide cathode materials exhibit inferior cyclability and low thermal stability owing to the side reaction between Ni 4+ and the electrolytes. To solve these surface-related problems, we proposed a strategy for forming LiNbO 3 (LNO)-with outstanding thermal stability and ionic conductivity-on a Ni-rich layered-oxide surface using polydopamine (PDA). The PDA formed on the transition metal hydroxide surface has copious catechol OH groups, which attract the Nb ions in the solution to form a LNO coating layer during the calcination process. The LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O 2 (pristine LNCM) electrode experiences enormous degradation when cycled after being subjected to severe conditions-such as a full charge and a 60 C storage test-but the LiNbO 3 -coated LNCM (LNO-LNCM) electrode exhibits particularly stable cycling performance. Furthermore, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results exhibited that the LNO coating notably ameliorated the thermal stability of the cathode material. As a result, our experimental results suggest that the development of cathode materials that can withstand greatly oxidized states and high-temperature environments is achievable.cathode materials, high-Ni layered-oxides, LiNbO 3 , lithium-ion batteries, polydopamine
| INTRODUCTIONLithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been used in diverse fields involving mobile devices and electric vehicles (EVs)-owing to their high operating voltage, high energy density, superior cyclability, and low selfdischarge rate. 1,2 However, current LIBs have technical limitations, including problems related to cost, durability, and mileage. In particular, the cathode of LIBs has many problems, including high price, low capacity, poor cycle life, and deterioration complications. 3,4 Accordingly, recent research on cathode materials has focused on refining and developing new cathode materials. 5,6 Across the various cathode materials, High-Ni layered-oxide cathodes have recently been in the spotlight because they have high energy density, high theoretical capacity ($200 mAh g À1 ), and a comparatively high operating voltage. 7,8 Recently, researchers have