Development of high specific capacity and high operating voltage cathode material is critical in making next generation high energy density lithium ion battery to satisfy the ever-growing demands for portable electronic devices and electric vehicles. However, interfacial instability of high voltage electrode/electrolyte such as electrolyte decomposition and electrode structural destruction has been found to be the main reasons hindering the development of high energy density lithium ion battery [1]. It has been widely accepted that preventing the direct contract of high voltage electrode and electrolyte would effectively improve the interfacial stability of electrode/electrolyte, which can be achieved by surface coating and electrolyte additive [2-4]. In this work, we will propose several novel film-forming electrolyte additives that dramatically improved the cyclic stability and rate capability of high voltage cathode, including lithium-rich layered nickel manganese cobalt oxide [Li(Li_0.2Ni_0.13Mn_0.54Co_0.13)O₂], layered lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide (LiNi_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3O₂) and lithium nickel manganese oxide (LiMn_1.5Ni_0.5O₄). The mechanism of the additives will be discussed via combination of theoretical calculations and experimental characterizations. 

References:

[1] Kang Xu, Electrolytes and interfaces in Li-ion batteries and beyond, Chem. Rev. 2014, 114:11503-11618.

[2] Jianhui Li, Lidan Xing*, Ruiqin Zhang, Min Chen, Zaisheng Wang, Mengqing Xu, Weishan Li, Tris(trimethylsilyl)borate as an electrolyte additive for improving interfacial stability of high voltage layered lithium-rich oxide cathode/ carbonate- based electrolyte, J. Power Sources, 2015,285:360-366.

[3] Wenna Huang, Lidan Xing*, Ruiqin Zhang **, Xianshu Wang, Weishan Li*, A novel electrolyte additive for improving the interfacial stability of high voltage lithium nickel manganese oxide cathode, J. Power Sources, 2015,293:71-77.

[4] Wenna Huang; Lidan Xing*; Yating Wang; Mengqing Xu; Weishan Li*; Fengchao Xie; Shengan Xia, A novel electrolyte additive for lithium nickel manganese oxide cathode of high voltage lithium ion battery, J. Power Sources,2014,267:560-565.