Well-ordered layered LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ submicron sphere with fast electrochemical kinetics for cathodic lithium storage

Nickel-rich layered oxides have drawn sustainable attentions for lithium ion batteries owing to their higher theoretical capacities and lower cost. However, nickel-rich layered oxides also have exposed several defects for commercial application, such as uncontrollable ordered layered structure, which leads to higher energy barrier for Li⁺ diffusion. In addition, suffering from structural mutability, the bulk nickel-rich cathode materials likely trigger overall volumetric variation and intergranular cracks, thus obstructing the lithium ion diffusion path and shortening the service life of the whole device. Herein, we report well-ordered layered LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ submicron spheroidal particles via an optimized co-precipitation and investigated as LIBs cathodes for high-performance lithium storage. The as-fabricated LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ delivers high initial capacity of 228 mAh g^–1, remarkable energy density of 866 Wh kg^–1, rapid Li ion diffusion coefficient (10^–9 cm² s^–1) and low voltage decay. The remarkable electrochemical performance should be ascribed to the well-ordered layered structure and uniform submicron spheroidal particles, which enhance the structural stability and ameliorate strain relaxation via reducing the parcel size and shortening Li-ion diffusion distance. This work anticipatorily provides an inspiration to better design particle morphology for structural stability and rate capability in electrochemistry energy storage devices.