Lithium-Ion Transport through a Tailored Disordered Phase on the LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 Surface for High-Power Cathode Materials

The phase control of spinel LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 was achieved through surface treatment that led to an enhancement of its electrochemical properties. Li+ diffusion inside spinel LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 could be promoted by modifying the surface structure of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 through phosphidation into a disordered phase (Fd3m) that allows facile Li+ transport. Phosphidated LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 showed a significantly enhanced electrochemical performance, even at high rates exceeding 10 C, demonstrating that the improved kinetics (related to the amount of Mn3+) can render LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 competitive as a high‐power cathode material for electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles. From disorder comes super power! Phosphidated LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 shows high rate capability with an excellent cycle performance. Increased disordered phase originating from the locally modified surface structure facilitates Li+ diffusion and maximizes power density.