Recent advancements in LiCoPO4 cathodes using electrolyte additives

Olivine-type LiCoPO4 proves its intriguing electrochemical properties as a highly valuable voltage cathode material for the next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIB) with the benefits of a high operating potential of ∼4.8 V versus Li and a high theoretical capacity of ∼167 mAh g−1. However, several limitations in attaining high coulombic efficiency, good rate capability, and long cycle stability need to be improved before implementing into commercial applications. Thus, various strategies involve advancing the LiCoPO4 performances via synthesis routes, surface modification, doping with iso- and alio-valent substitutions, etc., to achieve competitive performance with other commercial cathodes. Apart from these strategies, suitable electrolytes and additives are equally important to alleviate the electrolyte oxidation at high voltages to develop next-generation LIBs. In this work, we summarize the structural and physical properties of LiCoPO4 with information about the strategies to enhance the performance of LiCoPO4 in the beginning and discuss the method of electrolyte optimization using various additives in detail. Future perspectives dictate the important insights into practical issues that can accelerate the progress of LiCoPO4-based LIBs in energy storage applications toward practical use.