Multiple Linkage Modification of Lithium-Rich Layered Oxide Li_1.2Mn_0.54Ni_0.13Co_0.13O₂ for Lithium Ion Battery

A multiple linkage modification (MLM) method was investigated to comprehensively improve the properties of lithium-rich layered oxides. MLM Li_1.2Mn_0.54Ni_0.13Co_0.13O₂ was successfully synthesized via continuous and appropriate heat treatment. The synthesized Li_1.2Mn_0.54Ni_0.13Co_0.13O₂ particles were coated with a Li₂ZrO₃ layer and doped with Zr⁴⁺ by using a Zr compound as the MLM reagent. The Li₂ZrO₃ coating layer could protect materials from the corrosion of hydrogen fluoride, and the structure of the base materials was stabilized due to Zr⁴⁺ doping. In addition, the formation of Li₂ZrO₃ captured inactive residual lithium on the surface and absorbed lithium of host materials, thereby leading to the reduction in the Li/M ratio of materials and promoting the first-cycle Coulombic efficiency. The MLM material delivered the highest initial cycle Coulombic efficiency (∼85%), the best cycle and rate performance among bare and ZrO₂-coated particles. These results indicate that MLM is an important technique for improving the performance of electrode materials.