Evaluation of the\nEffect of Precursor NMC622@TiO<sub>2</sub> Core–Shell Powders\nUsing a Prelithiated Anode from\nFig Seeds: Spotlight on Li-ion Full-Cell Performance

In this study, innovative electrode materials for lithium-ion\nbatteries\n(LIBs) were developed and characterized, demonstrating significant\nperformance enhancements. Initially, NMC622@TiO<sub>2</sub> was synthesized\nusing a wet-chemical method with titanium(IV) ethoxide as the Ti source.\nAdvanced structural investigations confirmed the successful formation\nof a core@shell structure with negligible cation mixing (Li<sup>+</sup>/Ni<sup>2+</sup>) at the NMC622 surface, contributing to enhanced\nelectrochemical performance. Subsequently, carbon-based anode materials\nwere produced from biomass, specifically fig seeds, and subjected\nto high-temperature heat treatment. The resulting powders exhibited\ndominant graphitic properties, evidenced by a Raman <i>I</i><sub>D</sub>/<i>I</i><sub>G</sub> ratio of 0.5. Electrochemical\nevaluations of both electrode materials were conducted using half-cell\nconfigurations. The optimization of the TiO<sub>2</sub> coating process\nwas assessed through half-cell performance metrics and diffusion rates\ncalculated from galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT)\nexperiments. The final phase focused on full-cell design, employing\na prelithiation strategy for anodes using a direct contact technique.\nOptimization of the prelithiation process led to the assembly of full\ncells combining NMC622/prelithiated fig-seed anodes and NMC622@TiO<sub>2</sub>/prelithiated fig-seed anodes. The results revealed that TiO<sub>2</sub>-coated NMC622, paired with prelithiated carbon anodes derived\nfrom fig seeds, delivered superior performance compared to uncoated\nNMC622 full cells. This study underscores the potential of biomass-derived\ncarbon anodes and TiO<sub>2</sub> coatings in enhancing the efficiency\nand performance of LIBs.