Considerable capacity improvement of Mn-based Li-rich cathode Li1.2Ni0.13Co0.13Mn0.54O2 via KMnO4 surface modification.

• KMnO 4 was used to treat Li-rich layered oxides for the first time. • Reconstruct the surface lattice structure. • The electrochemical performance was enormous enhanced after treatment. • Improve the conductivity of Li+ and reduce the impedance. • Simple operation and high efficiency. Li-rich layered materials are facing the problems of low initial coulomb efficiency and poor rate performance, which seriously restrict its commercial development. Herein, we modified Li 1.2 Ni 0.13 Co 0.13 Mn 0.54 O 2 by KMnO 4 to reconstruct the surface lattice and improve the Li+ conduction efficiency. The material acquired higher initial coulomb efficiency after treatment. Moreover, the initial specific capacity of the treated material was increased from 214.4 mAh g−1 to 262.7 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C with the voltage range from 2.0 V to 4.8 V, and 88% remained after 100 cycles. Even at 10 C, the specific capacity of 91.6 mAh g−1 can still be obtained, which is three times more than the pristine. The method of surface treatment with KMnO 4 provides a new idea for the commercial development of Li-rich layered materials in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]