Modulating Crystal and Interfacial Properties by W‐Gradient Doping for Highly Stable and Long Life Li‐Rich Layered Cathodes

Abstract Stabilizing Li‐rich layered oxides without capacity/voltage fade upon cycling is a prerequisite for a successful commercialization. Although the inhibition of structural and interfacial changes is identified as an effective strategy, the battery community always seeks for a technologically flexible method to make it really competitive among the cathode. Herein, the gradient W‐doping within Li 1.2 Mn 0.56 Ni 0.16 Co 0.08 O 2 (LLMO) is proposed to relieve crystal disintegration and simultaneously enhance interfacial stability because of the formation of Li 2 WO 4 coating layer on the material surface. This is mainly attributed to the scenario that partial Mn replacement by W can stabilize the LLMO structure and regulate the electrochemical activity of Mn element. The W‐doped LLMO (W@LLMO) possesses improved specific capacity and voltage stability (83.2% capacity retention and voltage retention of 94.9% after 200 cycles at 0.5 C). Besides, a practical pouch cell based on the W@LLMO cathode presents sufficient gravimetric energy density (318 Wh kg −1 ) and cycling stability (capacity retention of 87.7% after 500 cycles at 1.0 C). This study presents an effective method to design robust Li‐rich layered cathodes for next‐generation Li‐ion batteries.