Stabilization of Battery Electrode/Electrolyte Interfaces Employing Nanocrystals with Passivating Epitaxial Shells

Chem. degrdn. at electrode/electrolyte interfaces in high-energy storage devices, such as Li-ion batteries, imposes durability challenges that affect their life and cost. In oxide electrodes, degrdn. is linked to the presence of redox active transition metals at the surface. Here, we demonstrate a strategy toward the stabilization of interfaces using core-epitaxial shell nanocrystals. The core of the nanocrystal is composed of an electroactive oxide, which is passivated by an ultrathin epitaxial oxide shell enriched in a redox inactive ion. This approach imparts interfacial stability while preserving the high storage capability and fast carrier transport of the material, compared to unmodified versions. The validity of the concept is proved with Li1+xMn2-xO4 nanocrystals with a 1-2 nm Al-rich shell, which showed reduced sensitivity to harsh environments, compared to bare counterparts. The approach is generalizable to any transition-metal-based battery system where electrode-electrolyte interactions must be controlled.