New strategy significantly extends lithium-ion battery life by suppressing oxygen release

A analysis staff has developed a technique to reinforce the sturdiness of lithium-rich layered oxide (LLO) materials, a next-generation cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). This breakthrough, which considerably extends battery lifespan, was published within the journal Power & Environmental Science.

Lithium-ion batteries are indispensable in purposes equivalent to electric vehicles and vitality storage programs (ESS). The lithium-rich layered oxide (LLO) materials presents as much as 20% increased vitality density than typical nickel-based cathodes by lowering the nickel and cobalt content material whereas growing the lithium and manganese composition. As a extra economical and sustainable various, LLO has garnered important consideration. Nonetheless, challenges equivalent to capability fading and voltage decay throughout charge-discharge cycles have hindered its industrial viability.

Whereas earlier research have recognized structural adjustments within the cathode throughout biking as the reason for these points, the precise causes behind the instability have remained largely unclear. Moreover, current methods geared toward enhancing the structural stability of LLO have didn’t resolve the foundation trigger, hindering commercialization.

The POSTECH staff targeted on the pivotal position of oxygen launch in destabilizing the LLO construction throughout the charge-discharge course of. They hypothesized that enhancing the chemical stability of the interface between the cathode and the electrolyte might forestall oxygen from being launched. Constructing on this concept, they strengthened the cathode-electrolyte interface by enhancing the electrolyte composition, which resulted in a major discount in oxygen emissions.

The analysis staff’s enhanced electrolyte maintained a formidable vitality retention fee of 84.3% even after 700 charge-discharge cycles, a major enchancment over typical electrolytes, which solely achieved a median of 37.1% vitality retention after 300 cycles.

The analysis additionally revealed that structural adjustments on the floor of the LLO materials had a major influence on the general stability of the fabric. By addressing these adjustments, the staff was capable of dramatically enhance the lifespan and efficiency of the cathode whereas additionally minimizing undesirable reactions like electrolyte decomposition contained in the battery.

Professor Jihyun Hong commented, “Using synchrotron radiationwe were able to analyze the chemical and structural differences between the surface and interior of the cathode particles. This revealed that the stability of the cathode surface is crucial for the overall structural integrity of the material and its performance. We believe this research will provide new directions for developing next-generation cathode materials.”