Introducing electrolytic electrochemical polymerization for constructing protective layers on Ni-rich cathodes of Li-ion batteries

LiNi_(0.8)Co_(0.1)Mn_(0.1)O_(2)(NCM811)is the most promising cathode for high-energy Li-ion batteries,despite its poor cycling stability that originates from the reactions that occur with the electrolyte.Herein,to solve this interfacial issue,a facile electrolytic electrochemical polymerization process was introduced in this paper,and a uniform conductive electrolyte interface(polyaniline)was successfully constructed on the surface of the NCM811 porous electrode(PANI-NCM),which facilitated the charge transfer during charge/discharge.The side reactions at the interface between the cathode and the electrolyte are suppressed,and thereby,the cycling performance and rate capability are considerably improved.PANI-NCM delivers an initial capacity of 157.2 mAh·g^(-1)as well as excellent cyclability(capacity retention of 88%after 500 cycles at 2C),whereas the capacity of the bare NCM811 has dropped to 31.3 mAh·g^(-1).In addition,polypyrrole and polythiophene also can be formed through electrolytic electrochemical polymerization process,which provides a practicable tactic to modify the interfacial stability of cathodes for high-energy Li-ion batteries.