Abstract
Lithium-rich layered oxide materials xLi2MnO3·(1–x)LiMO2 (M = Mn, Ni, Co, Fe, Cr, etc.) have attracted much attention for the use of cathode materials in lithium-ion batteries in recent years. However, there are many issues still unclear (the structure and reaction mechanism are ambiguous until now), and numerous scientific challenges (low initial Coulombic efficiency, poor rate capability, and voltage degradation during cycling) of these materials that must be overcome to realize their utilization in commercial lithium-ion batteries. This Perspective focuses on the challenges and prospects associated with the current researching results of these lithium-rich layered cathode materials. Specifically, their average/local structures, reaction mechanisms, and electrochemical properties are discussed.