A group of researchers led by Professor Jihyun Hong from POSTECH’s Department of Battery Engineering, with support from Dr. Gukhyun Lim, has introduced a groundbreaking method to enhance the longevity of lithium-rich layered oxide (LLO), a promising cathode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs).
Their important findings, which significantly improve battery lifespan, were published in the energy-focused journal Energy & Environmental Science.
Lithium-Ion Batteries and Their Importance
Lithium-ion batteries play a vital role in numerous applications, including electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
Lithium-rich layered oxide represents a noteworthy advancement in this field, attaining as much as 20% greater energy density compared to conventional nickel-based cathodes.
This enhancement is achieved by reducing nickel and cobalt content while increasing lithium and manganese.
LLO is recognized for its economic and sustainable benefits, making it a focal point of interest.
However, its potential in the market has been hindered by challenges such as capacity fading and voltage degradation during repeated charge and discharge cycles.
Research Findings and Improvements
Moreover, the research revealed that the structural changes on the surface of the LLO material greatly impacted its overall stability.
By addressing these surface modifications, the researchers significantly improved both the performance and lifespan of the cathode, while also minimizing harmful reactions, such as electrolyte decomposition, within the battery.
The team utilized synchrotron radiation to examine the chemical and structural differences between the outer surface and the inner regions of the cathode particles.
This exploration underscored the importance of surface stability in maintaining the structural integrity and performance of the material.
The researchers are hopeful that their findings will lead to the development of next-generation cathode materials.
“`htmlStudy Details:
- Title: Decoupling capacity fade and voltage decay of Li-rich Mn-rich cathodes by tailoring surface reconstruction pathways
- Authors: Gukhyun Lim, Min Kyung Cho, Jaewon Choi, Ke-Jin Zhou, Dongki Shin, Seungyun Jeon, Minhyung Kwon, A-Re Jeon, Jinkwan Choi, Seok Su Sohn, Minah Lee, Jihyun Hong
- Journal: Energy & Environmental Science
- Publication Date: 2024
- DOI: 10.1039/D4EE02329C
Previous research indicated that structural changes in the cathode during these cycles contribute to its instability, yet the fundamental causes remained unclear.
Many current strategies aimed at bolstering the structural integrity of LLO have failed to effectively address these underlying issues, which has hampered its readiness for commercial use.
In their study, the POSTECH team focused on the critical role of oxygen release in destabilizing the structure of LLO during the charging and discharging processes.
They proposed that enhancing the chemical stability of the interface between the cathode and the electrolyte could help reduce oxygen release.
To test their hypothesis, they optimized the electrolyte composition, resulting in a significant decrease in oxygen emissions.
The modified electrolyte achieved an impressive energy retention rate of 84.3% after 700 cycles of charge and discharge, a considerable improvement compared to traditional electrolytes, which only managed an average retention of 37.1% after 300 cycles.
Methodology and Future Implications
Moreover, the research revealed that the structural changes on the surface of the LLO material greatly impacted its overall stability.
By addressing these surface modifications, the researchers significantly improved both the performance and lifespan of the cathode, while also minimizing harmful reactions, such as electrolyte decomposition, within the battery.
The team utilized synchrotron radiation to examine the chemical and structural differences between the outer surface and the inner regions of the cathode particles.
This exploration underscored the importance of surface stability in maintaining the structural integrity and performance of the material.
The researchers are hopeful that their findings will lead to the development of next-generation cathode materials.
“`htmlStudy Details:
- Title: Decoupling capacity fade and voltage decay of Li-rich Mn-rich cathodes by tailoring surface reconstruction pathways
- Authors: Gukhyun Lim, Min Kyung Cho, Jaewon Choi, Ke-Jin Zhou, Dongki Shin, Seungyun Jeon, Minhyung Kwon, A-Re Jeon, Jinkwan Choi, Seok Su Sohn, Minah Lee, Jihyun Hong
- Journal: Energy & Environmental Science
- Publication Date: 2024
- DOI: 10.1039/D4EE02329C
Previous research indicated that structural changes in the cathode during these cycles contribute to its instability, yet the fundamental causes remained unclear.
Many current strategies aimed at bolstering the structural integrity of LLO have failed to effectively address these underlying issues, which has hampered its readiness for commercial use.
In their study, the POSTECH team focused on the critical role of oxygen release in destabilizing the structure of LLO during the charging and discharging processes.
They proposed that enhancing the chemical stability of the interface between the cathode and the electrolyte could help reduce oxygen release.
To test their hypothesis, they optimized the electrolyte composition, resulting in a significant decrease in oxygen emissions.
The modified electrolyte achieved an impressive energy retention rate of 84.3% after 700 cycles of charge and discharge, a considerable improvement compared to traditional electrolytes, which only managed an average retention of 37.1% after 300 cycles.
Methodology and Future Implications
Moreover, the research revealed that the structural changes on the surface of the LLO material greatly impacted its overall stability.
By addressing these surface modifications, the researchers significantly improved both the performance and lifespan of the cathode, while also minimizing harmful reactions, such as electrolyte decomposition, within the battery.
The team utilized synchrotron radiation to examine the chemical and structural differences between the outer surface and the inner regions of the cathode particles.
This exploration underscored the importance of surface stability in maintaining the structural integrity and performance of the material.
The researchers are hopeful that their findings will lead to the development of next-generation cathode materials.
“`htmlStudy Details:
- Title: Decoupling capacity fade and voltage decay of Li-rich Mn-rich cathodes by tailoring surface reconstruction pathways
- Authors: Gukhyun Lim, Min Kyung Cho, Jaewon Choi, Ke-Jin Zhou, Dongki Shin, Seungyun Jeon, Minhyung Kwon, A-Re Jeon, Jinkwan Choi, Seok Su Sohn, Minah Lee, Jihyun Hong
- Journal: Energy & Environmental Science
- Publication Date: 2024
- DOI: 10.1039/D4EE02329C