The Korean Society of Surface Science and Engineering

Nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) lithium-ion batteries(LIBs) are increasingly prominent in the energy storage system due to their high energy density and cost-effectiveness. However, they face significant challenges, such as rapid capacity fading and structural instability during high-voltage operation cycles. Addressing these issues, numerous researchers have studied the enhancement of electrochemical performance through the coating of NCM cathode materials with substances like metal oxides, lithium composites, and polymers. Coating these cathode materials serves several critical functions: it acts as a protection barrier against electrolyte decomposition, mitigates the dissolution of transition metals, enhances the structural integrity of the electrode, and can even improve the ionic conductivity of the cathode. Ultimately, these improvements lead to better cycle stability, increased efficiency, and enhanced overall battery life, which are crucial for the advancement of NCM-based lithium-ion batteries in high-demand applications. So, this paper will review various cathode coating materials and examine the roles each plays in improving battery performance.

Keywords Lithium ion batteries; surface coating; cathode; electrochemical performance.