Lithium cobalt oxide

Lithium niobate coated lithium cobalt(III) oxide (LCO) is a powdered form of layered (R-3m) LiCoO₂ with a typical particle size of 4-10 microns. The particles are coated in 5-10 nm, less than 1 wt.%, amorphous lithium niobate (also called lithium niobium oxide or LiNbO₃).

LiNbO₃-coated LCO is a high-performance cathode active material designed for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), including solid-state and high-voltage batteries. As a classic layered cathode material, LiCoO₂ serves as a model system for fundamental research while also delivered a high insertion potential and high capacity. The LiNbO₃ coating significantly enhances cathode stability by protecting the electrode and electrolyte from undesired reactions. It mitigates reactions between the cathode material and electrolyte, reducing capacity fade and minimizing the release of metal ions from the LCO cathode. Additionally, the highly ionically conductive LiNbO₃ improves rate capability by reducing the space charge layer barrier at the electrolyte/cathode interface, resulting in superior Li diffusion and reduced electrode polarization