Stabilizing High-voltage Cathode Materials for Next-generation Li-ion Batteries

The pressing demand for high-energy/power lithium-ion batteries requires the deployment of cathode materials with higher capacity and output voltage. Despite more than ten years of research, high-voltage cathode materials, such as high-voltage layered oxides, spinel LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4, and high-voltage polyanionic compounds still cannot be commercially viable due to the instabilities of standard electrolytes, cathode materials, and cathode electrolyte interphases under high-voltage operation. This paper summarizes the recent advances in addressing the surface and interface issues haunting the application of high-voltage cathode materials. The understanding of the limitations and advantages of different modification protocols will direct the future endeavours on advancing high-energy/power lithium-ion batteries.