Enhanced performance of a Ni-rich LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ cathode material formed through Taylor flow synthesis and surface modification with Li₂MoO₄

We use a novel continuous Taylor flow reactor to prepare a high-energy–density, highly stable Ni-rich LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ cathode material for potential use in Li-ion batteries. The secondary particles of as-prepared LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ possess an elliptical morphology; the primary particles have a nanosheet structure on the preferred {0 1 0} plane. Furthermore, we modify the as-prepared LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ cathode material via surface coating with Li₂MoO₄. Because of the pillar effect of the ionic conductor Li₂MoO₄, the modified LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ cathode material exhibits a lower degree of Li⁺/Ni²⁺ cation mixing, high structural stability and enhanced electrochemical performance at 2.5–4.3 and 2.5–4.5 V at 25 °C and 55 °C respectively. Our as-prepared and Li₂MoO₄-modified LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ cathode materials deliver discharge capacities of 199.62 and 203.87 mA h g⁻¹, respectively, at a rate of 0.1C. The optimal 2 wt% Li₂MoO₄–coated LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ cathode achieves a capacity retention of 93.99% at 1C/1C for 100 cycles; the capacity retention of the as-prepared LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ is 85.48% higher than that of a commercial LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ product (only 68.70%). We use in situ XRD and in operando microcalorimetry to measure the volumes, changes in lattice parameters, and thermal stabilities of our prepared and modified LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ products.