Innovative Approach to Boost Lithium-Ion Battery Longevity
A dedicated research team has unveiled a groundbreaking method aimed at improving the longevity of lithium-rich layered oxide (LLO) materials, which serve as advanced cathodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). This significant advancement was documented in the esteemed journal Energy & Environmental Science.
The Importance of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are essential components for technologies like electric vehicles and energy storage solutions (ESS). Compared to traditional nickel-based cathodes, LLO materials provide up to 20% greater energy density, achieved by minimizing nickel and cobalt levels while boosting lithium and manganese concentrations. As an economically viable and eco-friendly option, LLO is gaining widespread interest. Nonetheless, issues such as diminishing capacity and voltage drops during charging cycles continue to challenge its potential for mass production.
Unraveling Cathode Instability
Previous investigations identified that alterations in the cathode’s structure during use contribute significantly to these performance issues; however, the fundamental reasons behind this instability were not clearly understood. Existing methods aiming to bolster structural integrity still fell short regarding fundamental causes, thus impeding commercial progress.
Tackling Oxygen Release Issues
The POSTECH researchers spotlighted the critical nature of oxygen release in destabilizing LLO structures amid charging processes. They proposed that enhancing chemical stability at the interface between cathode and electrolyte could mitigate oxygen release concerns. By optimizing electrolyte composition around this aspect, they successfully fortified this critical interface leading to a remarkable decrease in oxygen venting.
Outstanding Results from Enhanced Electrolytes
This enhanced electrolyte exhibited an impressive energy retention rate of 84.3% after undergoing 700 charge-discharge cycles—a substantial increase relative to traditional electrolytes that only managed about 37.1% retention post-300 cycles.
Surface Changes Impacting Material Stability
The investigation further indicated that alterations on the surface layer of LLO had profound repercussions on its overall stability. By addressing these specific changes effectively, researchers succeeded in vastly increasing both lifetime and performance while curtailing detrimental reactions such as electrolyte breakdown within batteries.
Insights from Research Leadership
Professor Jihyun Hong remarked on their findings: “Utilizing synchrotron radiation enabled us to investigate both chemical and structural variances between surfaces versus internal layers of cathode particles. This investigation underscored how vital surface stability is for ensuring robust material integrity alongside optimal operation.” He expressed optimism that their work might pave new avenues for future high-performance cathodes.
Further Reading:
Mentioned research:
Gukhyun Lim et al., “Decoupling capacity fade and voltage decay of Li-rich Mn-rich cathodes by tailoring surface reconstruction pathways,” Energy & Environmental Science (2024). DOI: 10.1039/D4EE02329C
Citation:
Enhanced strategy promise towards significantly prolonging lithium-ion battery life through reduced oxygen emission (2024; December 24) retrieved December 24th from TechXplore Article Link.