Elucidating the Humidity-Induced Degradation of Ni-Rich Layered Cathodes for Li-Ion Batteries

Ni-rich layered oxides, in a general term of Li(Ni_xCo_yMn_1-x-y)O₂ (x > 0.5), are widely recognized as promising candidates for improving the specific energy and lowering the cost for next-generation Li-ion batteries. However, the high surface reactivity of these materials results in side reactions during improper storage and notable gas release when the cell is charged beyond 4.3 V vs Li⁺/Li⁰. Therefore, in this study, we embark on a comprehensive investigation on the moisture sensitivity of LiNi_0.85Co_0.1Mn_0.05O₂ by aging it in a controlled environment at a constant room-temperature relative humidity of 63% up to 1 year. We quantitatively analyze the gassing of the aged samples by online electrochemical mass spectrometry and further depict plausible reaction pathways, accounting for the origin of the gas release. Transmission electron microscopy reveals formation of an amorphous surface impurity layer of ca. 10 nm in thickness, as a result of continuous reactions with moisture and CO₂ from the air. Underneath it, there is another reconstructed layer of ca. 20 nm in thickness, showing rock salt/spinel-like features. Our results provide insight into the complex interfacial degradation phenomena and future directions for the development of high-performance Ni-rich layered oxides.