Surface modifications of layered LiNi x Mn y Co z O 2 cathodes via atomic and molecular layer deposition

Abstract Currently, there has an ever‐growing interest in layered LiNi x Mn y Co z O 2 (NMCs, x + y + z = 1) cathode materials for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) and lithium metal batteries (LMBs), due to their low cost and high capacity. However, they still suffer from a series of issues, such as Li/Ni cation mixing, irreversible phase transition, and transition metal dissolution. These issues result in severe capacity degradation and limited cyclability of NMCs. Recently, atomic and molecular layer deposition (ALD and MLD) have emerged as a novel tool to tackle these issues, featuring their unique capabilities to fine‐tailor NMCs’ surfaces for stable interfaces and improved electrochemical performance in LIBs and LMBs. In this review, we specially summarize the recent advances of different ALD and MLD coatings on NMCs and discuss their working mechanisms. We expect that this review will stimulate more efforts to further develop better NMCs using novel ALD/MLD coatings.