Improvement of the Cycling Performance of LiNi_0.6Co_0.2Mn_0.2O₂ Cathode Active Materials by a Dual-Conductive Polymer Coating

Abstract

LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 cathode materials were surface-modified by coating with a dual conductive poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-co-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEDOT-co-PEG) copolymer, and their resulting electrochemical properties were investigated. The surface-modified LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 cathode material exhibited a high discharge capacity and good high rate performance due to enhanced transport of Li(+) ions as well as electrons. The presence of a protective conducting polymer layer formed on the cathode also suppressed the growth of a resistive layer and inhibited the dissolution of transition metals from the active cathode materials, which resulted in more stable cycling characteristics than the pristine LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 cathode material at 55 (o)C.