Stable LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂|Li metal cells with practical loading at 30 degrees C and elevated temperatures

We report on the highly stable lithium metal | LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ (NCM 811) cells with practical electrodes loading of 3.4 mAh cm⁻², low amount of electrolyte solution comprising 1M LiPF₆ in fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC)/dimethyl carbonate (DMC), around 1–1.5 μL mg⁻¹ of active cathode material (22–33 μL cm⁻²) and current density of 1 mA cm⁻² both at 30°C and elevated temperatures (45–55°C). The NCM 811 cathodes and Li metal anodes were characterized by X-ray diffraction, SEM and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. We demonstrate that the cathodes’ active mass preserves its crystal structure and particles morphology without any signs for cracks formation both after cycling with FEC and EC based electrolyte solutions. The limiting factor for stable cycling of Li|NCM 811 cells is the formation of thick resistive films on the surface of Li anodes which is highly dependent on the electrolyte solutions’ composition.