[en] The high-performance LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ has been prepared by an improved solid-state method, which is calcined in nitrogen at the first stage and in air at the second stage. The reaction process between nickel atoms and manganese atoms was changed by the improved solid-state method. The final product is a high purity cubic spinel structure (Fd3m) with high crystallinity, little impurities and excellent electrochemical performances. The EDX demonstrates that there is slightly lower nickel content and carbon content on the crystal surfaces. It shows a discharge capacity of 138 mAh/g at the first cycle and 133.9 mAh/g after 100 cycles at 0.1C rate. It also can deliver a discharge capacity of 111.3 mAh/g at 5C rate. The discharge capacity of the cathode at 55 °C is up to 124 mAh/g with capacity retention of 96.1% after 100 cycles. These results show that the improved solid-state method has potential application for the large-scale synthesis of LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ in high power Li-ion batteries. - Highlights: • 5 V LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ cathode materials was synthesized by improved solid state method. • The precursor was calcined in N₂ and then in air at different stage. • The optimized distribution of nickel and manganese was obtained.

[en] Li[Li_0.2Mn_0.54Ni_0.13Co_0.13]O₂ was prepared using a coprecipitation method and modified with Li₄Ti₅O₁₂. The sample coated with 3 wt% Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ exhibited the best cyclability and mean coulombic efficiency in the voltage range of 2.0–4.75 V. These improvements are attributed to the effective Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ coating layer, which stabilizes the host structure, protects the electrode surface from electrolyte attack, and prevents the formation of a thick passive film on the electrode surface. The initial irreversible capacity loss was eliminated by blending with 10 wt% Li₄Ti₅O₁₂, in the larger potential window of 1.5–4.75 V. It was confirmed that the irreversible capacity loss decreased with increasing Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ content; this is because Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ offers a larger number of available sites for insertion of extracted lithium

[en] LiNi_1_/_3Co_1_/_3Mn_1_/_3O_2 is successfully coated with MnO_2 by a chemical deposition method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) results demonstrate that MnO_2 forms a thin layer on the surface of LiNi_1_/_3Co_1_/_3Mn_1_/_3O_2 without destroying the crystal structure of the core material. Compared with pristine LiNi_1_/_3Co_1_/_3Mn_1_/_3O_2, the MnO_2-coated sample shows enhanced electrochemical performance especially the rate capability. Even at a current density of 750 mA g"−"1, the discharge capacity of MnO_2-coated LiNi_1_/_3Co_1_/_3Mn_1_/_3O_2 is 155.15 mAh g"−"1, while that of the pristine electrode is only 132.84 mAh g"−"1 in the range of 2.5–4.5 V. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) curves show that the MnO_2 coating layer reacts with Li"+ during cycling, which is responsible for the higher discharge capacity of MnO_2-coated LiNi_1_/_3Co_1_/_3Mn_1_/_3O_2. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results confirmed that the MnO_2 coating layer plays an important role in reducing the charge transfer resistance on the electrolyte–electrode interfaces. - Highlights: • MnO_2 coated LiNi_1_/_3Co_1_/_3Mn_1_/_3O_2 cathode material is synthesized for the first time. • MnO_2 offers available sites for insertion of extracted lithium. • The preserved surface and crystal structures results in the improved kinetics.

[en] Highlights: • A facile and mass-producible strategy was developed to modify the surface of Cu foils with carbon. • The modified carbon is robust and strong. • Overall performances of lithium ion batteries were improved by the surface carbon modification on Cu current collector. • Full-cell systems were used to evaluate the effects of Cu surface modification. - ABSTRACT: We have developed a facile and mass-producible strategy named electric discharge method to successfully improve the surface properties of Cu foils with rough carbon layer. Electrochemical tests in half-cells demonstrate that the coated carbon layer can significantly reduce the polarization resistance and enhance the reversible capacity of graphite anode when utilizing the Cu foils as current collector for lithium ion batteries. More importantly, the developed carbon coated Cu anode current collector can also improve the overall performances of LiFePO_4 full cells in terms of enhanced rate capability (from 887.9 to 946.3 mAh at 4C rate), reduced polarization voltage (11.7 mV lower at 4C rate), longer cycle life (about 650 increased cycles if taking 80 % capacity retention as the end of cycle life when used at 1 C rate) as well as improved low-temperature performance (capacity retention: 42.87% vs. 38.85% at -20 °C)