Boosting Li-ion battery performance with surface technology

With the rising world demand for cost-effective sustainable batteries, lithium-ion batteries are on the forefront as vitality storage options. Nonetheless, reaching a excessive vitality density with long-term stability in such batteries is important to extending the utilization time of electrical gadgets. LiNi₀.₅Mn₁.₅O₄ (LNMO), recognized for its thermal stability and cost-effectiveness, is a promising materials for high-voltage cathodes. But, its utility is restricted by undesirable facet reactions corresponding to electrolyte decomposition, which decreases its efficiency over time.

In a pioneering research, Prof. Dongwook Han, a professor from Seoul Nationwide College of Science and Know-how, and his workforce of researchers launched a twin engineering method to reinforce the efficiency of LNMO cathodes. The workforce engineered Li-vacant subsurface pathways to enhance lithium-ion migration and a K₂CO₃-enriched protective layer to guard the cathode from electrolyte decomposition. Their research was revealed within the Chemical Engineering journal on November 1, 2024.

“To enhance the performance of LNMO cathodes, we introduced a K₂CO₃-enriched external surface and a partially delithiated subsurface of LNMO particles through a KOH-assisted wet chemistry method. The synergistic effect of these layers results in a remarkable electrochemical charge/discharge cycling performance and increased thermal stability of LNMO cathodes,” says the lead writer, Prof. Han.

The surface-engineered cathodes had been ready in a two-step course of. First, the common LNMO (R-LNMO) cathodes had been synthesized utilizing co-precipitation-assisted hydrothermal adopted by solid-state reactions. The ready R-LNMO cathodes had been then subjected to floor modification by treating the particles with an aqueous resolution of KOH. This resulted within the formation of surface-modified LNMO, or just LNMO_KOH.

The LNMO_KOH and R-LNMO cathode particles had been examined for his or her physicochemical and electrochemical traits utilizing superior methods. The findings had been exceptional, suggesting enhanced thermal stability and higher vitality storage within the LNMO_KOH particles.

The cathodes exhibited a discharge capability of ~110 mAh/g with 97% capability retention after 100 cycles, a notable enchancment from the 89 mAh/g discharge capability and the 91% retention of untreated LNMO cathodes. Furthermore, the engineered materials additionally confirmed potential for sooner charging with decreased impurities and elevated porosity inside its construction.

Reflecting on the broader functions of his research, Prof. Han states, “Our technology is not limited to LNMO but can also be applied to commercial cathode materials, including high-performance Li(Ni_1-y-zCo_yMNZ) o₂ (NMC) and LiFePO₄ (LFP). We believe this will advance the applications of batteries in large-scale electric vehicles and energy storage systems by enabling high energy density and exceptional safety.”

Offered by
Seoul Nationwide College of Science & Know-how