An effective approach to improve the electrochemical performance of LiNi_0.6Co_0.2Mn_0.2O₂ cathode by an MOF-derived coating

Herein, we report an effective surface modification for a high energy cathode material, LiNi_0.6Co_0.2Mn_0.2O₂ (NCM-622), using an Al-based MOF (NH₂-MIL-53), as a precursor to produce MOF-derived alumina (MDA) coatings. The MDA-coating (2.5 wt%) is well-dispersed on the surface of NCM-622 with an amorphous structure. By virtue of the MDA-coating, NCM-622 shows greatly enhanced electrochemical performance: 214.6 mA h g^-1 and 196.5 mA h g^-1 (3.0-4.5 V vs. Li⁺/Li) at 0.2C and 1C, respectively, with a capacity retention of 92.7% after 100 cycles at 1C; even at high rates of 5C and 10C, the discharge capacity still approaches 168.5 mA h g^-1 and 150.0 mA h g^-1, respectively. We found that these enhancements can be ascribed to the improved structural stability and electrochemical kinetics of NCM-622 by the MDA-coating.