Long-Term Cycling Performance of Aqueous Processed Ni-Rich LiNi_0.8Co_0.15Al_0.05O₂ Cathodes

A lithium phosphate surface coating can protect water-sensitive LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 (NCA) particles during aqueous electrode manufacturing. Herein, the coating process was performed by using a spray drying process, an easy method for upscaling. The coating provides enhanced protection against water that is reflected in a significantly reduced formation of detrimental water-induced surface species. As a consequence, full cells containing water-based electrodes with coated NCA and graphite anodes demonstrate good long-term 1C cycling performance with a capacity retention of 80% maintained after more than 730 cycles and a remaining capacity of approximately 130 mAh g−1.