Improving electrochemical performance of NCM811 cathodes for lithium-ion batteries via consistently arranging the hexagonal nanosheets with exposed {104} facets

Layered high-nickel LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 is a promising candidate of the next generation cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries. However, severe cycling instability and fast capacity drop induced by anisotropic structured change restrict its wide application. To address these defects, the structure design of cathodes is conducted. Herein, a hierarchical layered LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathode consisting of orderly stacking hexagonal nanosheets with exposed active {104} facets is successfully synthesized by an improved co-precipitation process and followed with a high temperature lithiation reaction. Benefiting from this unique texture, exposed active {104} facets with lower surface energy supply 3D barrier-free Li+ ion diffusion channels, significantly improving the efficiency of the Li+ diffusion. Moreover, the consistent arrangement of nanosheets in the manner of the {001} facets close attachment is beneficial to alleviate the stress caused by the anisotropic structured change. Thus, this cathode material presents both superior reversible capability (203.8 mAh g−1 at 0.1C, 184.5 mAh g−1 at 1 C, 173.0 mAh g−1 at 5 C and 161.3 mAh g−1 at 10 C) and stable cycling performance (capacity retention of 89.3% after 100 cycles at 1 C, 55.3% after 300 cycles at 5 C and 59.6% after 300 cycles at 10 C).