An effective tellurium surface modification strategy to enhance the capacity and rate capability of Ni-rich LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathode material

LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM) layered oxide is contemplated as an auspicious cathode candidate for commercialized lithium-ion batteries. However, the successful commercial utilization of these materials is impeded by technical issues like structural degradation and poor cyclability. Elemental doping is among the most viable strategies for enhancing electrochemical performance. Herein, the preparation of surface tellurium-doped NCM is done by utilizing the methodology solid-state route at high temperatures. Surface doping of the Te ions leads to structural stability owing to the inactivation of oxygen at the surface via the binding of slabs of transition metal-oxygen. Remarkably, 1 wt.% of Te doping in NCM exhibits enhanced electrochemical characteristics with an excellent discharge capacity, i.e., 225.8 mAh/g at 0.1 C, improved rate capability of 156 mAh/g (5 C), and 82.2% retention in capacity (0.5 C) over 100 cycles within 2.7–4.3V as compared to all other prepared electrodes. Hence, the optimal doping of Te is favorable for enhancing the capacity, cyclability, as well as rate capability of NCM.