“Win-Win” Modification of LiCoO₂ Enables Stable and Long-Life Cycling of Sulfide-Based All Solid-State Batteries

Interfacial side reactions and space charge layers between the oxide cathode material and the sulfide solid-state electrolytes (SSEs), along with the structural degradation of the active material, significantly compromise the electrochemical performance of all-solid-state batteries (ASSLBs). Surface coating and bulk doping of the cathodes are considered the most effective approaches to mitigate the interface issues between the cathode and SSEs and enhance the structural integrity of composite cathodes. Here, a one-step low-cost means is ingeniously designed to modify LiCoO₂ (LCO) with heterogeneous Li₂TiO₃/Li(TiMg)_1/2O₂ surface coating and bulk gradient Mg doping. When applied in Li₁₀GeP₂S₁₂-based ASSLBs, the Li₂TiO₃ and Li(TiMg)_1/2O₂ coating layers effectively suppress interfacial side reactions and weaken space charge layer effect. Furthermore, gradient Mg doping stabilizes the bulk structure to mitigate the formation of spinel-like phases during local overcharging caused by solid-solid contact. The modified LCO cathodes exhibit excellent cycle performance with a capacity retention of 80 % after 870 cycles. This dual-functional strategy provides the possibility for large-scale commercial implementation of cathodes modification in sulfide based ASSLBs in the future.