Activation Mechanism of LiNi_0.80Co_0.15Al_0.05O₂: Surface and Bulk Operando Electrochemical, Differential Electrochemical Mass Spectrometry, and X-ray Diffraction Analyses

The lithium (de)-insertion mechanism from LiNi 0.80 Co 0.15 Al 0.05 O 2 (NCA) has been investigated by means of combined electrochemical analysis, operando differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS) experiments, and in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiments during the first three cycles. Qualitative analysis of cyclic voltammetry data illustrated a possible irreversible activation of the material. Operando DEMS and internal cell pressure measurements combined with ex situ XRD and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy demonstrated that Li 2 CO 3 surface film on the NCA electrode degrades on oxidation and reforms on reduction, which has an effect on the lithium (de)-insertion reaction kinetics. In situ XRD studies clearly show mechanistic differences in the reaction pathways between the first and second cycle/following cycles. While the first charge reveals a combination of an irreversible two-phase transition plus a reversible solid solution reaction mechanism, the second charge is mainly dominated by a solid solution process. Such differences have been ascribed to changes in two factors, the electronic conductivity and the Li ion mobility of the NCA electrode.