Thesis

Nickel-rich layered oxides LiNi1-x-yMnxCoyO2 (NMC) and LiNi1-x-yCoyAlzO2 (NCA) are exceptional materials for the positive electrode of lithium batteries due to their high reversible storage capacity. However, under real conditions, undesired reactions can lead to the dissolution of transition metals and electrodes cracking, thus affecting their electrochemical properties. This phenomenon is linked to the presence of hydrofluoric acid (HF) in the electrolyte, mainly due to the degradation of the LiPF6 salt. To address this problem, surface treatments are needed to protect the active material and improve performance. The EVEREST project proposes an innovative, flexible, and affordable method for creating inorganic coatings at the nanoscale. This method is based on a recent technique, coaxial electrospinning, which allows the production of nanofibers with a well-defined core-sheath structure. For this project, we propose to evaluate the impact of nanofiber shaping parameters on morphology, electrochemical performance and the underlying mechanism. The electrochemical performances of the coated and the pristine positive electrodes will be compared in a half-cell with Li metal as a counter electrode. Redox processes, charge transfer mechanisms and structural modifications will be studied in the operando mode using the synchrotron radiation beam.