An effective LiBO2 coating to ameliorate the cathode/electrolyte interfacial issues of LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 in solid-state Li batteries

Solid-state batteries provide a safe and high energy density solution to next-generation energy storage devices. However, unsatisfactory power capability and cycling stability raised from lithium diffusion resistance and catalytic reaction at the electrode/electrolyte interface critically restrict their development. In this study, these interfacial issues are ameliorated by LiBO2 coating to achieve the successful implementation of nickel-rich LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 in poly(ether-acrylate) based solid-state batteries. The continuous coating acts not only as a physical barrier hindering the decomposition of polymer electrolyte but also as a buffer layer promoting lithium diffusion across the space charge layer owing to its electronic insulativity and ionic conductivity. In consequence, the LiBO2 coated nickel-rich cathode delivers superior cycling stability with a capacity retention of 84.3% during 150 cycles at 0.5C, remarkably improved lithium diffusion kinetics with an order of magnitude increase in apparent diffusion coefficient and prominent power performance with 97 mA h g−1 at 2C. The effectiveness of inserting such functional interlayer emphasizes the essentiality of interfacial chemistry in building high-performance solid-state Li metal batteries.