Approaching the maximum capacity of nickel-rich LiNiCoMnO cathodes by charging to high-voltage in a non-flammable electrolyte of propylene carbonate and fluorinated linear carbonates.

We report a promising approach to achieve the maximum capacity (>230 mA h g-1) and high capacity retention (95% during 100 cycles) of a nickel-rich cathode of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) by charging to 4.5 V in a non-flammable electrolyte of propylene carbonate and fluorinated linear carbonates. Our electrolyte permits the stabilization of the cathode-electrolyte interface and cathode structure at high-voltage, enabling stable and safe operation of the Ni-rich cathode for high-energy density and high-safety lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries.