Conventionally, cobalt (Co) is an essential element in LiMO₂ (M = Ni, Co, Mn, Al) cathode materials. However, its high cost and price fluctuations hinder its full utilization, limiting the average fraction of Co. To address this problem, recent studies focused on maximizing the effects of a limited amount of Co. Herein, we introduce a new approach that fully utilizes Co by forming a Co nanoshell on a Ni-rich [Ni_0.90Co_0.05Mn_0.05](OH)₂ precursor via a single coprecipitation process. The Co nanoshell acts as a sintering inhibitor during calcination, thereby generating columnar structures that are not observed in the baseline Li[Ni_0.90Co_0.05Mn_0.05]O₂ cathode material. In addition, introducing the Co nanoshell contributes to forming spinel-like structures that facilitate Li⁺ (de)intercalation during electrochemical cycling. This study not only provides a new approach that fully utilizes a limited amount of Co but also offers a facile and cost-effective method in synthesizing high-performance cathode materials.

中文翻译：

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将 Co 纳米壳引入富镍正极材料，用于高倍率长寿命锂离子电池


传统上，钴 （Co） 是 LiMO₂（M = Ni、Co、Mn、Al）正极材料中必不可少的元素。然而，其高成本和价格波动阻碍了其充分利用，限制了 Co 的平均比例。为了解决这个问题，最近的研究集中在最大化有限量 Co 的效果上。在此，我们引入了一种新方法，该方法通过在富含镍的 [Ni_0.90Co_0.05Mn_0.05] （OH）₂ 前驱体上形成 Co 纳米壳，通过单一共沉淀过程。Co 纳米壳在煅烧过程中充当烧结抑制剂，从而产生在基线 Li[Ni_0.90Co_0.05Mn_0.05] O₂ 正极材料中未观察到的柱状结构。此外，引入 Co 纳米壳有助于形成尖晶石状结构，从而促进电化学循环过程中的 Li⁺（脱）嵌。本研究不仅提供了一种充分利用有限量 Co 的新方法，而且为合成高性能正极材料提供了一种简单且经济高效的方法。