Al substitution for Mn during Co-precipitation boosts the electrochemical performance of LiNi_0.8Mn_0.1Co_0.1O₂

Nickel-rich layered oxides, such as LiNi_0.8Mn_0.1Co_0.1O₂ (NMC 811), are considered as one of the most promising candidates for the next-generation cathode because of their high energy densities and relatively low cost. However, the poor first Coulombic efficiency of NMC 811 leads to around a 15% capacity loss in the first cycle at a cut-off voltage of 4.4 V. Moreover, the structure degradation during cycling results in capacity fading and safety concerns, due to potential oxygen loss after charging. Here, with aluminum substitution for manganese through a developed continuous co-precipitation approach, the electrochemical performance of NMC 811 cathodes has been greatly enhanced. Among different Al% substituted samples, LiNi_0.8Mn_0.06Co_0.1Al_0.04O₂ cathodes reduced by 50% the first capacity loss of pristine NMC 811(18.0 vs 35.9 mAh g⁻¹) and improved the capacity retention from 81.4 to 96.4% after 60 cycles at 0.5C in the voltage range of 2.8-4.4 V.