Recent progress in synthesis and surface modification of nickel-rich layered oxide cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Nickel-rich layered oxides have been identified as the most promising commercial cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) for their high theoretical specific capacity. However, the poor cycling stability of nickel-rich cathode materials is one of the major barriers for the large-scale usage of LIBs. The existing obstructions that suppress the capacity degradation of nickel-rich cathode materials are as a result of phase transition, mechanical instability, intergranular cracks, side reaction, oxygen loss, and thermal instability during cycling. Core–shell structures, oxidating precursors, electrolyte additives, doping/coating and synthesizing single crystals have been identified as effective methods to improve cycling stability of nickel-rich cathode materials. Herein, recent progress of surface modification, e.g. coating and doping, in nickel-rich cathode materials are summarized based on Periodic table to provide a clear understanding. Electrochemical performances and mechanisms of modified structure are discussed in detail. It is hoped that an overview of synthesis and surface modification can be presented and a perspective of nickel-rich materials in LIBs can be given.