Pr6O11 interfacial engineering toward high-performance NCM523

Developing an efficient method to achieve fast discharge/charge ability and long-cycle life for LiNixCoyMn1-x-yO2 (NCM) cathodes remains an urgent and challenging problem to effectively improve the overall performance of Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In this study, NCM523 uniformly modified by Pr6O11 nanoparticles (NCM-Pr6O11) were prepared using simple liquid-phase mixing and annealing methods. Pr6O11 interface engineering for NCM-Pr6O11 composites can significantly enhance the electronic conductivity, boost the ion transport kinetics, improve the interface compatibility with electrolyte, and inhibit the structural destruction of secondary particles of NCM, making the composite with obviously enhanced LIB performance including cycle stability, energy density and thermal safety. The capacity retention of NCM-b samples tested at 25 °C and 60 °C can deliver 77.4% and 78.5%, respectively, higher than those of pure NCM electrodes. Furthermore, the assembled NCM-b//graphite full cells show improved thermal safety and excellent LIB performance even with a capacity retention of 86.1% after 1000 cycles. Thus, such a simple modification strategy for NCM cathodes provides promising enlightenment for the production of LIBs with high-energy density.