High-rate layered cathode of lithium-ion batteries through regulating three-dimensional agglomerated structure

LiNixCoyMnzO₂ (LNCM)-layered materials are considered the most promising cathode for high-energy lithium ion batteries, but suffer from poor rate capability and short lifecycle. In addition, the LiNi_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ (NCM 111) is considered one of the most widely used LNCM cathodes because of its high energy density and good safety. Herein, a kind of NCM 111 with semi-closed structure was designed by controlling the amount of urea, which possesses high rate capability and long lifespan, exhibiting 140.9 mAh g^-1 at 0.85 A g^-1 and 114.3 mAh g^-1 at 1.70 A g^-1, respectively. The semi-closed structure is conducive to the infiltration of electrolytes and fast lithium ion-transfer inside the electrode material, thus improving the rate performance of the battery. Our work may provide an effective strategy for designing layered-cathode materials with high rate capability.