Mechanically Interlocked Core-Shell Architecture for Stable Nickel-Rich Cathodes.

Chen, Xingjie; Luo, Ying; Yang, Fan; Zheng, Wei; Xu, Jie; Han, Xuesong; Zhu, Ying; Wu, Tong et al. · Nano Lett · 2026

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Nickel-rich layered cathodes such as LiNi<sub>0.8</sub>Co<sub>0.1</sub>Mn<sub>0.1</sub>O<sub>2</sub> (NCM) are attractive for next-generation lithium-ion batteries but suffer from rapid capacity decay caused by interfacial side reactions and mechanically induced microcracking. Here we report a bulk-surface synergistic modification strategy that constructs a mechanically anchored interface via Nb<sup>5+</sup> embedding and an external NiNb<sub>2</sub>O<sub>6</sub> (NNO) coating. Nb incorporation induces local lattice distortion at the near-surface region, creating an anchoring zone that stabilizes the coating against delamination and expands interlayer spacing to accelerate Li<sup>+</sup> transport. Simultaneously, the coated NNO layer on NCM effectively suppresses electrolyte penetration and HF-induced corrosion, thereby reducing byproduct formation and transition-metal-ion dissolution during cycling. As a result, the Nb-NCM@NNO cathode delivers a rate capability of 177.76 mAh g<sup>-1</sup> at 5.0 C and achieves a capacity retention of ∼88.24% after 200 cycles. This work establishes an effective interfacial anchoring route for enhancing the durability of Ni-rich layered cathodes.