Enhanced High-Rate Cycling Performance of Nickel-Rich Li[Ni_0.88Co_0.09Mn_0.03]O₂ Cathodes Through Sc₂O₃ Doping

Abstract

Nickel-rich layered oxide cathodes are considered highly promising candidates for next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), owing to their high energy density. Nevertheless, their practical application remains constrained by limited cycling stability and rate capability. This study explores the influence of Sc₂O₃ doping on the electrochemical performance and structural stability of LiNi_0.88Co_0.09Mn_0.03O₂ (LNCM88). Sc₂O₃ was incorporated at doping levels of 0.5, 1, and 2.5 wt%, and its effects were systematically investigated using several characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). These analyses confirmed successful Sc₂O₃ incorporation without significant changes in the cathode morphology. Electrochemical characterizations showed that, although the initial capacity decreased with increasing Sc content, capacity retention and rate performance improved significantly. Notably, the sample doped with 1 wt% Sc₂O₃ demonstrated a discharge capacity of 195.1 mAh g^-1 after 100 cycles at 0.1 C, with a retention rate of approximately 93.1%. These findings highlight the efficacy of Sc₂O₃ doping as a viable strategy to enhance the electrochemical properties and commercial potential of nickel-rich layered cathodes in LIB applications. Full cell results revealed that the Sc₂O₃-doped LNCM88 delivers improved capacity retention, maintaining 83.2% at 1 C after 300 cycles, compared to only 76.4% for the undoped material under identical conditions. High-rate cycling results further demonstrate that 1 wt% Sc doping significantly enhances the durability of LNCM88, making it a promising strategy for improving the performance of nickel-rich layered cathode materials in high-power lithium-ion battery applications.

Keywords

electrochemical properties / Li-ion batteries / Li[Ni_0.88Co_0.09Mn_0.03]O₂ / Ni-rich cathode / Sc₂O₃ doping

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2026 The Author(s). Battery Energy published by Xijing University and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.