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At least 289 records · Page 16

Metal segregation in hierarchically structured cathode materials for high-energy lithium batteries

In technologically important LiNi 1-x-y Mn x Co y O 2 cathode materials, surface reconstruction from a layered to a rock-salt structure is commonly observed under a variety of operating conditions, particularly in Ni-rich compositions. This phenomenon contributes to poor high-voltage cycling performance, impeding attempts to improve the energy density by widening the potential window at which these electrodes operate. Here, using advanced nano-tomography and transmission electron microscopy techniques, we show that hierarchically structured LiNi 0.4 Mn 0.4 Co 0.2 O 2 spherical particles, made by a simple spray pyrolysis method, exhibit local elemental segregation such that surfaces are Ni-poor and Mn-rich. The tailored surfaces result in superior resistance to surface reconstruction compared with those of conventional LiNi 0.4 Mn 0.4 Co 0.2 O 2 , as shown by soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy experiments. In conclusion, the improved high-voltage cycling behaviour exhibited by cells containing these cathodes demonstrates the importance of controlling LiNi 1-x-y Mn x Co y O 2 surface chemistry for successful development of high-energy lithium ion batteries.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Preparation of MgCo 2 O 4 /graphite composites as cathode materials for magnesium-ion batteries

Magnesium-ion batteries are fabricated with MgCo 2 O 4 /graphite composites as the cathode material. MgCo 2 O 4 nanoparticles are arranged using a co-precipitation method. A three-dimensional mixing process is utilized to mechanically decorate MgCo 2 O 4 nanoparticles on graphite particles. The MgCo 2 O 4 spinel crystals of size ranging from 20 to 70 nm on micrometer-sized graphite chunks are analyzed by using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The electrochemical properties of the as-prepared composites are well characterized by cyclic voltammetry, charge and discharge cycling, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Interestingly, the MgCo 2 O 4 /graphite composite with a relatively low proportion of MgCo 2 O 4 , compared with the other as-prepared composites, achieves the highest specific capacity of 180 mAh g –1 at a C rate of 0.05 C. EIS results suggest that the electrical conductivity of the composite material is an increasing function of the graphite proportion. The superior performance of the MgCo 2 O 4 /graphite composite could be ascribed to the decoration of nanosized MgCo 2 O 4 particles as well as to the increased conductivity provided by graphite.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Enhancing the Reaction Kinetics and Stability of Co‐Free Li‐Rich Cathode Materials via a Multifunctional Strategy

Co-free Li-rich layered oxides (CFLLOs) with anionic redox activity are among the most promising cathode materials for high-energy-density and low-cost lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, irreversible oxygen release often causes severe structural deterioration, electrolyte decomposition, and the formation of unstable cathode-electrolyte interface (CEI) film with high impedance. Additionally, the elimination of cobalt elements further deteriorates the reaction kinetics, leading to reduced capacity and poor rate performance. Here, in this study, a multifunctional strategy is proposed, incorporating Li 2 MnO 3 phase content regulation, micro-nano structure design, and heteroatom substitution. The increased content of Li 2 MnO 3 phase enhances the capacity through oxygen redox. The smaller nanoscale primary particles induce greater tensile strain and introduce more grain boundaries, thereby improving the reaction kinetics and reactivity, while the larger micron-sized secondary particles help to reduce interfacial side reactions. Furthermore, Na⁺ doping modulates the local coordination environment of oxygen, stabilizing both the anion framework and the crystal structure. As a result, the designed cathode exhibits enhanced rate performance, delivering a capacity of 158 mAh g⁻¹ at 5.0 C and improved cyclic stability, with a high capacity retention of 99% after 400 cycles at 1.0 C. This multifunctional strategy holds great promise for advancing the practical application of CFLLOs in next-generation LIBs.

Co-free Li-rich layered oxide↗

Lattice and Local Electronic Structure Modulation Enables Ultra-Long-Life Li-Rich Cathode Materials

Effectively alleviating severe performance deterioration including rapid capacity decay and continuous voltage fading of Li-rich layered oxide (LLO) cathodes by suppressing the irreversible oxygen release and transition metal (TM) migration is a critical challenge during prolonged cycling. Herein, we report a Sb-doped LLO (SLLO) cathode with shortened TM oct –TM oct distance and modulated local electronic structure, which can significantly enhance the oxygen vacancy formation energy and TM migration energy barriers. Therefore, the SLLO cathode showcases an impressive energy density of 1052 Wh kg –1 at 0.2 C and an outstanding rate capability of 214 mAh g –1 at 5 C with a remarkable capacity retention of 79.2% even after 1000 cycles. It should be pointed out that it exhibits greatly enhanced voltage stability with an outstanding voltage retention of 86.2% after cycling 1600 times at 10 C. In conclusion, this work provides a prototype for significantly enhancing the reversibility in electrochemical reactions of high-capacity layered cathode materials.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Effect of fluorination and Li-excess on the Li migration barrier in Mn-based cathode materials

Disordered rocksalt (DRX) Li-rich transition metal (TM) oxides, especially those based on Mn, are prospective high-energy-density cathode materials for the next generation of Li-ion batteries that use earth abundant metals. Fluorine substitution on the oxygen sublattice has been shown to reduce oxygen redox by lowering the average anion valence and increasing the amount of redox-active TM, and simultaneously improve energy density, average voltage and capacity retention. While these benefits of fluorination are well established, it is not well understood how F affects Li transport and therefore the rate performance of Mn-based DRX cathodes. Herein, we investigate the effects of both F substitution and the accompanying Li-excess on Li migration barriers using first-principles calculations. Finally, we demonstrate that F has a small negative effect on Li migration barriers while Li-excess decreases Li migration barriers. Because fluorination enables more Li-excess, these results do not predict any detrimental impact on Li transport.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Li-substituted layered spinel cathode materials for sodium ion batteries

Systems, methods, and compositions are disclosed for a Li-substituted layered-tunneled O3/spinel Na(NixFeyMnz)O2 cathode material, Na0.87Li0.25Ni0.4Fe0.2Mn0.4O2+∂ (LS-NFM) for enhanced sodium ion storage and cycling stability. The LS-NFM electrode is prepared by adjusting the stoichiometric ratio of the Na ion over the sum of Li and transition metal ions below 1. The Rietveld refinement of XRD data indicates that the cathode is composed of 94% layered and 6% spinel components. When cycled at a high current density of 100 mA g−1, LS-NFM cathode exhibited a first-cycle Coulombic efficiency of 88% and reversible discharge capacity of 107 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles with the capacity retention of 95%.

Xiong, Hui↗

High rate performance of LiNi{sub 1/3}Co{sub 1/3}Mn{sub 1/3}O{sub 2} cathode material synthesized by a carbon gel–combustion process for lithium ion batteries

Graphical abstract: The cycling stability of the LiNi{sub 1/3}Co{sub 1/3}Mn{sub 1/3}O{sub 2} electrode was investigated at different discharge rates from 5 C to 50 C. - Highlights: • The LiNi{sub 1/3}Co{sub 1/3}Mn{sub 1/3}O{sub 2} was prepared via a carbon gel–combustion process. • The sample showed high purity and nanosized particles. • The LiNi{sub 1/3}Co{sub 1/3}Mn{sub 1/3}O{sub 2} electrode shows excellent rate capability and cyclic performance. - Abstract: The LiNi{sub 1/3}Co{sub 1/3}Mn{sub 1/3}O{sub 2} electrode material was prepared via a carbon gel–combustion process using resorcinol–formaldehyde gel as fuel and nitrate as an oxidizer. The carbon gel process ensures the molecular-level homogeneity of the chemical product. The gas derived from carbon gel separates the raw material particles and restrains the growth of the grains to some extent, and well-crystallized nanosized powders are obtained with calcination at 700 °C for 6 h. As the cathode material for lithium-ion batteries, the discharge capacity of LiNi{sub 1/3}Co{sub 1/3}Mn{sub 1/3}O{sub 2} was as high as 175.6 mA h g{sup −1} in the first cycle at 0.5 C, and it could remain 163.0 mA h g{sup −1} within the voltage range of 2.5–4.4 V after 50 cycles. The electrode also showed outstanding rate capacities at high discharge rates such as 30 C and 50 C, suggesting the applications of the material in high power lithium-ion batteries.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Mechanism of Exact Transition between Cationic and Anionic Redox Activities in Cathode Material Li 2 FeSiO 4

The discovery of anion redox activity is promising for boosting the capacity of lithium ion battery (LIB) cathodes. However, fundamental understanding of the mechanisms that trigger the anionic redox is still lacking. In this study, using hybrid density functional study combined with experimental soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy (sXAS) measurements, we unambiguously proved that Li (2-x) FeSiO 4 performs sequent cationic and anionic redox activity through delithiation. Specifically, Fe 2+ is oxidized to Fe 3+ during the first Li ion extraction per formula unit (f.u.), while the second Li ion extraction triggered the oxygen redox exclusively. Cationic and anionic redox result in electron and hole polaron states, respectively, explaining the poor conductivity of Li (2-x) FeSiO 4 noted by previous experiments. In contrast, other cathode materials in this family exhibit diversity of the redox process. Li 2 MnSiO 4 shows double cationic redox (Mn 2+ -Mn 4+ ) during the whole delithiation, while Li 2 CoSiO 4 shows simultaneous cationic and anionic redox. The present finding not only provides new insights into the oxygen redox activity in polyanionic compounds for rechargeable batteries but also sheds light on the future design of high-capacity rechargeable batteries.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Encapsulation of LiFePO{sub 4} by in-situ graphitized carbon cage towards enhanced low temperature performance as cathode materials for lithium ion batteries

The severe capacity decay of LiFePO{sub 4} at low temperatures (≤0 °C) limits its wide applications as cathode materials for energy storage batteries. Creating comprehensive carbon network between particles with improved electronic conductivity is a well known solution to this problem. Here, a novel structured LiFePO{sub 4}/C composite was prepared by a facile solid state route, in which nanosized LiFePO{sub 4} spheres were encapsulated by in-situ graphitized carbon cages. With the enhancement in electronic conductivity (2.15e−1 S cm{sup −1}), the composite presented excellent rate performance at room temperature and remarkable capacity retention at −40 °C, with charge transfer resistance much lower than commercial LiFePO{sub 4}. - Graphical abstract: A novel structured LiFePO{sub 4/}C composite was prepared by a facile solid state route, in which nanosized LiFePO{sub 4} spheres were encapsulated by in-situ graphitized carbon cages. - Highlights: • Several nano-sized LiFePO{sub 4} particles are encapsulated in carbon cage. • Carbon is in-situ graphitized with enhanced electronic conductivity. • The as prepared LiFePO{sub 4} exhibits notable capacity retention at −40 °C. • R{sub ct} is lowered by a factor of ∼10 compared with commercial LiFePO{sub 4}.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Tunnel Structured α-MnO 2 with Different Tunnel Cations (H + , K + , Ag + ) as Cathode Materials in Rechargeable Lithium Batteries: The Role of Tunnel Cation on Electrochemistry

α-MnO 2 type manganese dioxide is an interesting prospective cathode material for reversible lithium insertion owing to its cation accessible tunnels (0.46nm x 0.46nm), high voltage, and low cost. The tunneled structure is synthetically formed by the assistance of cations acting as structure directing agents where the cations may remain in the tunnel. The electrochemistry of this family of materials is strongly dependent on the morphological and physicochemical (i.e. surface area, crystallite size, and average manganese oxidation state) properties as well as tunnel occupancy. For this work, we prepared a set of materials Mn 8 O 16 ·0.81H 2 O, K 0.81 Mn 8 O 16 ·0.78H 2 O and Ag 1.33 Mn 8 O 16 ·0.95H 2 O with similar nanorod morphology, crystallite size, surface area, and tunnel water content. This set of samples allowed us to investigate the role of tunnel cations in the electrochemistry of α-MnO 2 type manganese dioxide in a lithium based environment while minimizing the effects of the other parameters. The electrochemistry was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic cycling, rate capability, and galvanostatic intermittent titration type testing. Mn 8 O 16 ·0.81H 2 O showed higher loaded voltages, improved capacity retention, and higher specific energy relative to K 0.81 Mn 8 O 16 ·0.78H 2 O and Ag 1.33 Mn 8 O 16 ·0.95H 2 O. After 100 cycles, Mn 8 O 16 ·0.81H 2 O delivered ~200% more capacity than Ag 1.33 Mn 8 O 16 ·0.95H 2 O (64 vs. 129 mAh/g) and ~35% more capacity than K 0.81 Mn 8 O 16 ·0.78H 2 O (85 vs. 129 mAh/g). Mn 8 O 16 ·0.81H 2 O also showed higher effective lithium diffusion coefficients (DLi+) and higher rate capability compared to K 0.81 Mn 8 O 16 ·0.78H 2 O and Ag 1.33 Mn 8 O 16 ·0.95H 2 O suggesting faster Li+ ion diffusion in the absence of large metal tunnel cations.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Insight into Ca-Substitution Effects on O3-Type NaNi 1/3 Fe 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 Cathode Materials for Sodium-Ion Batteries Application

O3-type NaNi 1/3 Fe 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 (NaNFM) is well investigated as a promising cathode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), but the cycling stability of NaNFM still needs to be improved by using novel electrolytes or optimizing their structure with the substitution of different elements sites. To enlarge the alkali-layer distance inside the layer structure of NaNFM may benefit Na + diffusion. Herein, the effect of Ca-substitution is reported in Na sites on the structural and electrochemical properties of Na 1-x Ca x/2 NFM (x=0, 0.05, 0.1). X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of the prepared Na 1-x Ca x/2 NFM samples show single alpha-NaFeO 2 type phase with slightly increased alkali-layer distance as Ca content increases. The cycling stabilities of Ca-substituted samples are remarkably improved. The Na 0.9 Ca 0.05 Ni 1/3 Fe 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 (Na 0.9 Ca 0.05 NFM) cathode delivers a capacity of 116.3 mAh g -1 with capacity retention of 92% after 200 cycles at 1C rate. In operando XRD indicates a reversible structural evolution through an O3-P3-P3-O3 sequence of Na 0.9 Ca 0.05 NFM cathode during cycling. Compared to NaNMF, the Na 0.9 Ca 0.05 NFM cathode shows a wider voltage range in pure P3 phase state during the charge/discharge process and exhibits better structure recoverability after cycling. The superior cycling stability of Na 0.9 Ca 0.05 NFM makes it a promising material for practical applications in sodium-ion batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Organic Cathode Materials for Rechargeable Batteries

This chapter will primarily focus on the advances made in recent years and specify the development of organic electrode materials for their applications in rechargeable lithium batteries, sodium batteries and redox flow batteries. Four various organic cathode materials, including conjugated carbonyl compounds, conducting polymers, organosulfides and free radical polymers, are introduced in terms of their electrochemical performances in these three battery systems. Fundamental issues related to the synthesis-structure-activity correlations, involved work principles in energy storage systems, and capacity fading mechanisms are also discussed.

lithium ion↗

Facile hydrothermal method synthesis of coralline-like Li{sub 1.2}Mn{sub 0.54}Ni{sub 0.13}Co{sub 0.13}O{sub 2} hierarchical architectures as superior cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Highlights: • A coralline-like Li{sub 1.20}Mn{sub 0.54}Ni{sub 0.13}Co{sub 0.13}O{sub 2} cathode was synthesized by hydrothermal method. • Initial discharge capacity of 250.2 mAh g{sup −1} for the cathode was obtained at 0.1 C. • A high reversible specific capacity of 210.2 mAh g{sup −1} after 100 cycles was acquired. • The high capacity retention of 84.5% was obtained even after 200 cycles at 10 C. - Abstract: A coralline-like lithium-rich layered cathode material with homogeneous composition of Li{sub 1.20}Mn{sub 0.54}Ni{sub 0.13}Co{sub 0.13}O{sub 2} has been successfully synthesized via a facile ethanolamine (EA)-mediated hydrothermal method route, with subsequent calcination at 850 °C. An initial specific discharge capacity of 250.2 mAh g{sup −1} and a reversible specific capacity of 210.2 mAh g{sup −1} after 100 cycles at a constant density of 25 mA g{sup −1} (1 C = 250 mA g{sup −1}) are acquired. Even at 10 C, it still delivers a discharge capacity of approximately 100 mA h g{sup −1}, thereby indicating its excellent high power performance. The sample also shows enhanced cycling performance with 88.5%, 79.9% and 90.5% of capacity retention after 100 cycles at 0.5, 5 and 10 C rates, respectively. Besides, 84.5% of initial capacity is retained even after 200 cycles at 10 C. Consequently, the fascinating electrochemical performance may facilitate the coralline-like LMNCO composite to be a promising alternative cathode for LIBs with a high application potential.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Electrochemical properties of magnesium doped LiFePO{sub 4} cathode material prepared by sol–gel method

Magnesium doped Li{sub 1−2x}Mg{sub x}FePO{sub 4}/C (x = 0.00, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05) cathode materials were synthesized by sol–gel method, and the effect of magnesium doping as well as its content on the electrochemical properties for lithium batteries was also investigated{sub .} Their morphology was studied with field emission scanning electron microscope and Li{sub 1−2x}Mg{sub x}FePO{sub 4} materials showed the olivine phase without impurities. The thin carbon layer of Li{sub 1−2x}Mg{sub x}FePO{sub 4}/C was confirmed by high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The magnesium doped Li{sub 1−2x}Mg{sub x}FePO{sub 4}/C particles were smaller than those undoped. The Li{sub 1−2x}Mg{sub x}FePO{sub 4}/C materials showed better cycling behavior than undoped LiFePO{sub 4}, especially at high C-rate in which Li{sub 0.94}Mg{sub 0.03}FePO{sub 4}/C composition exhibited the best electrochemical properties.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Electrochemical Potential of the Metal Organic Framework MIL-101(Fe) as Cathode Material in Li-Ion Batteries

We discuss the characteristic factors that determine the electrochemical potentials in a metal-organic framework used as cathode for Li-ion batteries via density functional theory-based simulations. Our focus is on MIL-101(Fe) cathode material. Our study gives insight into the role of local atomic environment and structural deformations in generating electrochemical potential.

Keshavarz, Fatemeh↗

Methods for synthesizing vanadium oxide nanobelts and applications as cathode materials for batteries

In general, the present disclosure is directed to methods for synthesizing vanadium oxide nanobelts, as well as the corresponding chemical composition of the vanadium oxide nanobelts. Also described are materials which can incorporate the vanadium oxide nanobelts, such as including the vanadium oxide nanobelts as a cathode material for use in energy storage applications (e.g., batteries). The vanadium oxide nanobelts described herein display structural characteristics that may provide improved diffusion and/or charge transfer between ions. Thus, batteries incorporating implementations of the current disclosure may demonstrate improved properties such as higher capacity retention over charge discharge cycling.

Huang, Kevin↗

Effect of transition metal composition on electrochemical performance of nickel-manganese-based lithium-rich layer-structured cathode materials in lithium-ion batteries

To evaluate the effect of transition metal composition on the electrochemical properties of Li-rich layer-structured cathode materials, Li{sub 1.2}Ni{sub x}Mn{sub 0.8−x}O{sub 2} (x=0.2, 0.25, 0.3, and 0.4) were synthesized, and their electrochemical properties were investigated. As nickel content x increased in Li{sub 1.2}Ni{sub x}Mn{sub 0.8−x}O{sub 2} (x=0.2, 0.25, 0.3, and 0.4), charge-discharge capacities at a low C-rate (0.05 C) decreased. The results obtained by dQ/dV curves indicate that, as the nickel content increased, the discharge capacity below 3.6 V greatly decreased, but that above 3.6 V increased. As the C-rate of the discharge process increased, the discharge reaction of Li{sub 1.2}Ni{sub x}Mn{sub 0.8−x}O{sub 2} (x=0.2) below 3.6 V greatly decreased. In contrast, that above 3.6 V slightly decreased. This indicates that the discharge reaction above 3.6 V exhibits higher rate performance than that below 3.6 V. For the high-nickel-content cathodes, the ratio of the discharge capacity above 3.6 V to the total discharge capacity was high. Therefore, they exhibited high rate performance. - Graphical abstract: Figure shows the discharge curves of Li{sub 1.2}Ni{sub x}Mn{sub 0.8−x}O{sub 2} (x=0.2 and 0.3) within potential range of 2.5−4.6 V (vs. Li/Li{sup +}) at 0.05 and 3 C. At low C-rate (0.05 C), the discharge capacity of high-nickel-content cathode (Li{sub 1.2}Ni{sub 0.3}Mn{sub 0.5}O{sub 2}) was less than that of low-nickel-content cathode (Li{sub 1.2}Ni{sub 0.2}Mn{sub 0.6}O{sub 2}); however, the discharge potential and capacity of Li{sub 1.2}Ni{sub 0.3}Mn{sub 0.5}O{sub 2} was higher than those of Li{sub 1.2}Ni{sub 0.2}Mn{sub 0.6}O{sub 2} at high C-rate (3 C). This means that the increase in Ni/Mn ratio was effective in improving rate-performance.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Room-Temperature Eutectic Synthesis for Upcycling of Cathode Materials

Ni-rich LiNixMnyCo1−x−yO2 (NMC) materials have been adopted in a range of applications, including electric vehicles. The recycled NMC material from a spent cell would be much more valuable if it could be upgraded to a Ni-rich, more energy-dense version of the material. This work demonstrates a simple, inexpensive, and facile method to upcycle LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 (NMC111, 160 mAh∙g−1), a cathode used in early generations of electric vehicle batteries, to LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811, 190 mAh∙g−1), a more energy-dense cathode material. In this study, a preliminary investigation into a room-temperature eutectic synthesis of NMC811 is performed using NMC111, LiOH, and nickel nitrate as precursors. The synthesized material showed the desired crystal structure and stoichiometry, though the cycle life and Li diffusion coefficient need improvement when compared to commercially available NMC811. This study demonstrates an interesting proof of concept of the room-temperature eutectic synthesis process for LIB cathodes and could be improved by tuning the synthesis conditions.

lithium-ion battery↗