Atomic-Level Understanding of Surface Reconstruction Based on Li[NixMnyCo1–x–y]O2 Single-Crystal Studies
- Jian ZhuJian ZhuEnergy Storage and Distributed Resources Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United StatesMore by Jian Zhu
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- Soroosh Sharifi-AslSoroosh Sharifi-AslDepartment of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, United StatesMore by Soroosh Sharifi-Asl
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- Juan C. GarciaJuan C. GarciaChemical Sciences and Engineering Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United StatesMore by Juan C. Garcia
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- Hakim H. IddirHakim H. IddirChemical Sciences and Engineering Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United StatesMore by Hakim H. Iddir
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- Jason R. CroyJason R. CroyChemical Sciences and Engineering Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United StatesMore by Jason R. Croy
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- Reza Shahbazian-YassarReza Shahbazian-YassarDepartment of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, United StatesMore by Reza Shahbazian-Yassar
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- Guoying Chen*Guoying Chen*Email: [email protected]Energy Storage and Distributed Resources Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United StatesMore by Guoying Chen
Abstract

The stability of cathode particle surfaces that are directly exposed to the electrolyte is one of the most crucial and determining factors for cathode performance at high operating voltages. Theory has predicted a strong dependence of surface stability on chemical compositions as well as surface facets of layered oxides, yet conflicting results on the correlations exist as most experimental studies focus on cycled secondary particles recovered from composite electrodes. Herein, we synthesize well-formed Li[NixMnyCo1–x–y]O2 (NMC) single-crystal samples, carefully define pristine surface properties, and then monitor their evolution with cycling. Atomic-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) imaging and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) analysis show the formation of a surface reconstruction layer (SRL) as well as an extended surface reduction layer on pristine, Li-permeable non-(001) surfaces, even before cycling. We reveal a transition region with chemical gradient, in which the layered structure gradually densifies and eventually transforms into the SRL on the top surface. Contrary to these observations, no SRL is observed on pristine, Li-impermeable (001) surfaces, revealing the facet-dependent nature of surface reconstructions during particle synthesis. Upon electrochemical cycling, significant composition- and facet-dependent SRL growth is observed. The driving force and mechanism for surface reconstruction are further discussed. The present study provides insights into the origin as well as the nature of SRLs, highlighting the significance of surface engineering in cathode material optimization.
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