Enhanced Cycling and Rate Capability by Epitaxially Matched Conductive Cubic TiO Coating on LiCoO Cathode Films.

Layered lithium transition-metal oxides, such as LiCoO and its doped and lithium-rich analogues, have become the most attractive cathode material for current lithium-ion batteries due to their excellent power and energy densities. However, parasitic reactions at the cathode-electrolyte interface, such as metal-ion dissolution and electrolyte degradation, instigate major safety and performance issues. Although metal oxide coatings can enhance the chemical and structural stability, their insulating nature and lattice mismatch with the adjacent cathode material can act as a physical barrier for ion transport, which increases the charge-transfer resistance across the interface and impedes cell performance at high rates.