Graphene collage on Ni-rich layered oxide cathodes for advanced lithium-ion batteries

Research Progress of Electrolytes and Electrodes for Lithium- and Sodium-Ion Batteries at Extreme Temperatures

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have recently received considerable attention in electrical energy storage (EES) systems due to their sustainability, high energy density, and superior energy conversion efficiency. However, with the expansion of energy storage application scenarios, the ability of batteries to operate under extreme conditions, especially low and high temperatures, is becoming increasingly important. Therefore, extending the operating temperature of electrochemically stable and safe LIBs and SIBs has become a critical research topic. In this review, the failure mechanism of batteries under extreme conditions and at the same time the problems faced by LIBs and SIBs in electrolyte and electrode materials are discussed, and various targeted optimization strategies are proposed. Additionally, the performance of LIBs and SIBs in such environments is compared, drawing an instructive understanding. Finally, a summary and perspective are presented for improving the battery electrochemical performance at low and high temperatures, respectively. Overall, this review aims to provide design guidelines for future LIBs and SIBs with high performance under extreme conditions.

Entropy Engineering-Modulated D-Band Center of Transition Metal Nitrides for Catalyzing Polysulfide Conversion in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

The sluggish sulfur redox kinetics and severe polysulfide shuttle effect seriously restrict the cycling stability and lower the sulfur utilization of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. Efficient catalytic conversion of polysulfides is deemed a crucial strategy to address these issues, but still suffers from an unclear electronic structure-activity relationship and a limited catalysis performance. Herein, entropy engineering-induced electronic state modulation of metal nitride nanoparticles embedded within hollow N-doped carbon (HNC) polyhedra are theoretically and experimentally constructed as a catalyst to accelerate the redox process of sulfur and suppress polysulfide migration in Li-S batteries. By introducing V, Cr, and Nb elements to engineer the entropy of TiN, the metal d-band center is optimized to approach the Fermi level, significantly facilitating the conversion of sulfur species. Accordingly, the TiVCrNbN@HNC catalyst enables Li-S batteries to achieve a high initial capacity (1299 mAh g-1 at 0.1 C) and excellent cycling stability with a low capacity decay rate of 0.086% per cycle after 500 cycles. This work may provide a new insight into entropy engineering in catalyst design for high-performance Li-S batteries.

Advancements in Chemical Vapor Deposited Carbon Films for Secondary Battery Applications

Carbon films, synthesized via chemical vapor deposition (CVD), have gained significant attention in secondary battery applications, where stability and capacity are required to be improved for next-generation electronic devices and electric vehicles. Beyond the inherent properties of carbon films, such as high electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, chemical stability, and flexibility, the CVD method provides a high degree of freedom in designing the carbon films in battery applications, enabling conformal coating with structure engineering for modification of its electrical and mechanical properties. In this review, the CVD-grown carbon films are highlighted in the secondary battery applications, enabling them to overcome critical issues, such as volume expansion, sluggish kinetics, and unstable interfaces. To deeply understand the CVD-grown carbon films, such as graphene and amorphous carbon, a comprehensive overview of the CVD process is also provided, focusing on growth mechanisms, control of 3D morphology, and doping techniques. In addition, a broad range of applications are introduced for carbon films in battery components, including their use in cathodes, anodes, and current collectors, as well as their potential in advanced battery systems, such as lithium-sulfur and all-solid-state batteries. This review proposes future directions for optimizing carbon films to achieve practical applications in next-generation energy storage devices.

Superior conductive 1D and 2D network structured carbon-coated Ni-rich Li1.05Ni0.88Co0.08Mn0.04O2 as high-ion-diffusion cathodes for lithium-ion batteries

Numerous studies have addressed the low electrical conductivity of Li1.05Ni0.88Co0.08Mn0.04O2 (Ni-rich NCM). Among these approaches, surface treatment using multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) has emerged as a promising strategy for enhancing the depolarization of Ni-rich NCM and improving its electrochemical performance. However, MWCNT coatings applied by various methods often result in agglomeration and increase the ion-transfer resistance of the coating layer, leading to degraded electrochemical performance. In this study, 1D and 2D network structures are assembled on Ni-rich NCM surfaces using a MWCNT solution dispersed in ethanol solvent by an incipient method. The resulting highly conductive network structure facilitates electron movement without interfering with Li-ion transport, enhancing the depolarization of Ni-rich NCM and enabling high electrochemical performance. The 1D and 2D network structure coated Ni-rich NCM exhibits an excellent rate capability of 87.64% at 3C/0.2C and a cycle retention of 94.53% after 50 cycles at 1C/1C. Moreover, the incipient method used herein effectively maximizes the electrochemical performance with less coating weight than other methods. These findings highlight the potential of the 1D and 2D network structure coated Ni-rich NCM for advanced energy storage applications.

Microstructures of layered Ni-rich cathodes for lithium-ion batteries

Millions of electric vehicles (EVs) on the road are powered by lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) based on nickel-rich layered oxide (NRLO) cathodes, and they suffer from a limited driving range and safety concerns. Increasing the Ni content is a key way to boost the energy densities of LIBs and alleviate the EV range anxiety, which are, however, compromised by the rapid performance fading. One unique challenge lies in the worsening of the microstructural stability with a rising Ni-content in the cathode. In this review, we focus on the latest advances in the understanding of NLRO microstructures, particularly the microstructural degradation mechanisms, state-of-the-art stabilization strategies, and advanced characterization methods. We first elaborate on the fundamental mechanisms underlying the microstructural failures of NRLOs, including anisotropic lattice evolution, microcracking, and surface degradation, as a result of which other degradation processes, such as electrolyte decomposition and transition metal dissolution, can be severely aggravated. Afterwards, we discuss representative stabilization strategies, including the surface treatment and construction of radial concentration gradients in polycrystalline secondary particles, the fabrication of rod-shaped primary particles, and the development of single-crystal NRLO cathodes. We then introduce emerging microstructural characterization techniques, especially for identification of the particle orientation, dynamic changes, and elemental distributions in NRLO microstructures. Finally, we provide perspectives on the remaining challenges and opportunities for the development of stable NRLO cathodes for the zero-carbon future.

Thermal Expansion and Thermal Conductivity of Ni/Graphene Composite: Molecular Dynamics Simulation

In the present work, the thermal conductivity and thermal expansion coefficients of a new morphology of Ni/graphene composites are studied by molecular dynamics. The matrix of the considered composite is crumpled graphene, which is composed of crumpled graphene flakes of 2-4 nm size connected by van der Waals force. Pores of the crumpled graphene matrix were filled with small Ni nanoparticles. Three composite structures with different sizes of Ni nanoparticles (or different Ni content-8, 16, and 24 at.% Ni) were considered. The thermal conductivity of Ni/graphene composite was associated with the formation of a crumpled graphene structure (with a high density of wrinkles) during the composite fabrication and with the formation of a contact boundary between the Ni and graphene network. It was found that, the greater the Ni content in the composite, the higher the thermal conductivity. For example, at 300 K, λ = 40 W/(mK) for 8 at.% Ni, λ = 50 W/(mK) for 16 at.% Ni, and λ = 60 W/(mK) for 24 at.% Ni. However, it was shown that thermal conductivity slightly depends on the temperature in a range between 100 and 600 K. The increase in the thermal expansion coefficient from 5 × 10-6 K-1, with an increase in the Ni content, to 8 × 10-6 K-1 is explained by the fact that pure Ni has high thermal conductivity. The results obtained on thermal properties combined with the high mechanical properties of Ni/graphene composites allow us to predict its application for the fabrication of new flexible electronics, supercapacitors, and Li-ion batteries.

Cobalt-Free Layered LiNi0.8Mn0.15Al0.05O2/Graphene Aerogel Composite Electrode for Next-Generation Li-Ion Batteries

In this work, we introduce LiNi_0.8Mn_0.15Al_0.05O₂ (NMA), which is cobalt-free and has a high nickel content, and a conductive composite material to NMA by supporting it with a three-dimensional (3D) graphene aerogel (GA). With an easy freeze-drying approach, NMA nanoparticles are properly dispersed on graphene sheets, and GA creates a strong and conductive framework, significantly improving the structure and conductivity. The structure of the pure NMA and NMA/graphene aerogel (NMA/GA) composite was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). XRD and FE-SEM analyses clearly indicated that ultrapure NMA structures are homogeneously dispersed among the GAs. In addition, the composite structure was examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to determine the dispersion mechanisms. The electrochemical cycling performance of the pure NMA and NMA/GA composite was evaluated by rate capacitance, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The synthesized NMA/GA was able to provide 89.81% specific capacity retention after the 500th cycle at C/2. The average charge/discharge rates of the obtained cathode show good electrochemical results and exhibit capacities of 190.2,186.3, 185.2, 176.2, 161.2,142.6, and 188.5 mAh g^-1 at C/20, C/10, C/5, C, 3C, 5C, and C/20, respectively. EIS data showed an improvement in the impedance of the composite containing GA. According to the results of the electrochemical tests, NMA nanoparticles formed a conductive network with its porous structure thanks to GA, formed a protective layer on the surface, prevented the side reactions between the cathode and the electrolyte, decreased the impedance of the cathode, and increased the redox kinetics. In addition, the changes in the structure were investigated in the NMA/GA composite cathode by XRD, FE-SEM, and Raman analyses at the end of the 50th, 250th, and 500th cycles. In summary, the NMA/GA cathode is expected to play an important role in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) by taking advantage of its easy synthesis and excellent cycle stability.

Vanadium Ferrocyanides as a Highly Stable Cathode for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Owing to their high redox potential and availability of numerous diffusion channels in metal-organic frameworks, Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) are attractive for metal ion storage applications. Recently, vanadium ferrocyanides (VFCN) have received a great deal of attention for application in sodium-ion batteries, as they demonstrate a stable capacity with high redox potential of ~3.3 V vs. Na/Na⁺. Nevertheless, there have been no reports on the application of VFCN in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In this work, a facile synthesis of VFCN was performed using a simple solvothermal method under ambient air conditions through the redox reaction of VCl₃ with K₃[Fe(CN)₆]. VFCN exhibited a high redox potential of ~3.7 V vs. Li/Li⁺ and a reversible capacity of ~50 mAh g^-1. The differential capacity plots revealed changes in the electrochemical properties of VFCN after 50 cycles, in which the low spin of Fe ions was partially converted to high spin. Ex situ X-ray diffraction measurements confirmed the unchanged VFCN structure during cycling. This demonstrated the high structural stability of VFCN. The low cost of precursors, simplicity of the process, high stability, and reversibility of VFCN suggest that it can be a candidate for large-scale production of cathode materials for LIBs.

Pomegranate-Like KVPO4 F@C Microspheres as High-Volumetric-Energy-Density Cathode for Potassium-Ion Batteries

KVPO₄ F is one of the most competitive cathode candidates for potassium-ion batteries (KIBs) because of its high output voltage and energy density. Although the gravimetric energy density of KIBs is intensively discussed in literature, little attention is paid to the volumetric energy density. In view of this, pomegranate-like carbon-coated KVPO₄ F microspheres with a high volumetric energy density are designed in this work. The nano-sized primary particles with carbon sheets in KVPO₄ F microspheres enable promis rate capability by enhancing the K⁺ diffusion kinetics, while the micro-sized spheres guarantee the improvement of cycling stability. Owing to the dense hierarchical microspheres, the volumetric energy density of cells is greatly improved compared to bulk materials. This cathode delivers a reversible capacity of 101.5 mA h g^-1 at 0.3 C with an average output voltage of 4.0 V and a capacity retention of 85.1% after 200 cycles. The KVPO₄ F@C microspheres have a compact density of 2.45 g cm^-3 and further offer a high volumetric energy density up to 891.3 Wh L^-1 . The overcharge behavior of KVPO₄ F in the first three cycles is also revealed. The presented KVPO₄ F@C microspheres cathode provides a new sight for developing KIBs with large volumetric energy density.

Surface chemical heterogeneous distribution in over-lithiated Li1+xCoO2 electrodes

In commercial Li-ion batteries, the internal short circuits or over-lithiation often cause structural transformation in electrodes and may lead to safety risks. Herein, we investigate the over-discharged mechanism of LiCoO₂/graphite pouch cells, especially spatially resolving the morphological, surface phase, and local electronic structure of LiCoO₂ electrode. With synchrotron-based X-ray techniques and Raman mapping, together with spectroscopy simulations, we demonstrate that over-lithiation reaction is a surface effect, accompanied by Co reduction and surface structure transformation to Li₂CoO₂/Co₃O₄/CoO/Li₂O-like phases. This surface chemical distribution variation is relevant to the depth and exposed crystalline planes of LiCoO₂ particles, and the distribution of binder/conductive additives. Theoretical calculations confirm that Li₂CoO₂-phase has lower electronic/ionic conductivity than LiCoO₂-phase, further revealing the critical effect of distribution of conductive additives on the surface chemical heterogeneity evolution. Our findings on such surface phenomena are non-trivial and highlight the capability of synchrotron-based X-ray techniques for studying the spatial chemical phase heterogeneity.

Over-lithiation often causes structural transformation in electrodes and may lead to safety issues in Li-ion batteries. Here, authors investigate the over-discharged mechanism of LiCoO2/graphite pouch cells, and spatially resolve the morphological, surface phase, and local electronic structure of LiCoO2 electrode.

Synergistic Effects in Ultrafine Molybdenum-Tungsten Bimetallic Carbide Hollow Carbon Architecture Boost Hydrogen Evolution Catalysis and Lithium-Ion Storage

Constructing hierarchical heterostructures is considered a useful strategy to regulate surface electronic structure and improve the electrochemical kinetics. Herein, the authors develop a hollow architecture composed of MoC_{1- x} and WC_{1- x} carbide nanoparticles and carbon matrix for boosting electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution and lithium ions storage. The hybridization of ultrafine nanoparticles confined in the N-doped carbon nanosheets provides an appropriate hydrogen adsorption free energy and abundant boundary interfaces for lithium intercalation, leading to the synergistically enhanced composite conductivity. As a proof of concept, the as-prepared catalyst exhibits outstanding and durable electrocatalytic performance with a low overpotential of 103 and 163 mV at 10 mA cm^-2 , as well as a Tafel slope of 58 and 90 mV dec^-1 in alkaline electrolyte and acid electrolyte, respectively. Moreover, evaluated as an anode for a lithium-ion battery, the as-resulted sample delivers a rate capability of 1032.1 mA h g^-1 at 0.1 A g^-1 . This electrode indicates superior cyclability with a capability of 679.1 mA h g^-1 at 5 A g^-1 after 4000 cycles. The present work provides a strategy to design effective and stable bimetallic carbide composites as superior electrocatalysts and electrode materials.

Combining Surface Holistic Ge Coating and Subsurface Mg Doping to Enhance the Electrochemical Performance of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 Cathodes

Nickel-rich layered cathode LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ (NCM811) is the most promising cathode material due to its high specific capacity and lower cost than lithium cobalt oxides. However, NCM811 suffers from structural instability and capacity degradation during charge-discharge cycles. Herein, we report a strategy to construct a conductive network by employing a holistic Ge coating, which interconnects Mg-doped NCM811 particles. Dopant Mg ions, serving as a "pillar" in the Li slab of NCM811, substantially enhance the structural reversibility. The Ge particles are not only coated on the electrode surface but also enter into the electrode pores to form a multidimensional conductive structure, which improves the conductivity of the electrode and slows down the interface side reaction, thus minimizing the irreversible loss of NCM811 upon long cycling. The modified NCM811 electrode delivers a high discharge capacity (∼204 mAh g^-1 at 0.1C), excellent rate performance (∼155 mAh g^-1 at 10C), and high capacity retention (83% after 200 cycles) even at 4.4 V. Additionally, a cylindrical full battery with graphite/modified NCM811 undergoes 1000 cycles with 86% capacity retention at 2C.

Carbon-Based Modification Materials for Lithium-ion Battery Cathodes: Advances and Perspectives

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have attracted great attention as an advanced power source and energy-storage device for years due to their high energy densities. With rapid growing demands for large reversible capacity, high safety, and long-period stability of LIBs, more explorations have been focused on the development of high-performance cathode materials in recent decades. Carbon-based materials are one of the most promising cathode modification materials for LIBs due to their high electrical conductivity, large surface area, and structural mechanical stability. This feature review systematically outlines the significant advances of carbon-based materials for LIBs. The commonly used synthetic methods and recent research advances of cathode materials with carbon coatings are first represented. Then, the recent achievements and challenges of carbon-based materials in LiCoO2, LiNixCoyAl1-x-yO2, and LiFePO4 cathode materials are summarized. In addition, the influence of different carbon-based nanostructures, including CNT-based networks and graphene-based architectures, on the performance of cathode materials is also discussed. Finally, we summarize the challenges and perspectives of carbon-based materials on the cathode material design for LIBs.

Carbon-Coatings Improve Performance of Li-Ion Battery

The development of lithium-ion batteries largely relies on the cathode and anode materials. In particular, the optimization of cathode materials plays an extremely important role in improving the performance of lithium-ion batteries, such as specific capacity or cycling stability. Carbon coating modifying the surface of cathode materials is regarded as an effective strategy that meets the demand of Lithium-ion battery cathodes. This work mainly reviews the modification mechanism and method of carbon coating, and summarizes the recent progress of carbon coating on some typical cathode materials (LiFePO₄, LiMn₂O₄, LiCoO₂, NCA (LiNiCoAlO₂) and NCM (LiNiMnCoO₂)). In addition, the limitations of the carbon coating on the cathode are also introduced. Suggestions on improving the effectiveness of carbon coating for future study are also presented.

Insights into interfacial chemistry of Ni-rich cathodes and sulphide-based electrolytes in all-solid-state lithium batteries

All-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) have attracted increasing attention recently because they are more safe and have higher energy densities than conventional lithium-ion batteries. In particular, ASSLBs composed of Ni-rich cathodes, sulphide-based solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) and lithium metal anodes have been regarded as the most competitive candidates. Ni-rich cathodes possess high operating potential, high specific energy and low cost, and sulphide-based SSEs have excellent ionic conductivity comparable to that of liquid electrolytes. However, severe parasitic reactions and chemo-mechanical issues hinder their practical application. Herein, the structure, ionic conductivity, chemical or electrochemical stability and mechanical property of sulphide-based SSEs are introduced. Critical interfacial problems between Ni-rich cathodes and sulphide-based SSEs, including chemical or electrochemical parasitic reactions, space charge layer effect, mechanical stress and contact loss, are summarised. The corresponding solutions including coating layer construction and structure design are expounded. Finally, the remaining challenges are discussed, and perspectives are outlined to provide guidelines for the future development of ASSLBs.

Multiscale Understanding of Surface Structural Effects on High-Temperature Operational Resiliency of Layered Oxide Cathodes

The worldwide energy demand in electric vehicles and the increasing global temperature have called for development of high-energy and long-life lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with improved high-temperature operational resiliency. However, current attention has been mostly focused on cycling aging at elevated temperature, leaving considerable gaps of knowledge in the failure mechanism, and practical control of abusive calendar aging and thermal runaway that are highly related to the eventual operational lifetime and safety performance of LIBs. Herein, using a combination of various in situ synchrotron X-ray and electron microscopy techniques, a multiscale understanding of surface structure effects involved in regulating the high-temperature operational tolerance of polycrystalline Ni-rich layered cathodes is reported. The results collectively show that an ultraconformal poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) coating can effectively prevent a LiNi_0.8 Co_0.1 Mn_0.1 O₂ cathode from undergoing undesired phase transformation and transition metal dissolution on the surface, atomic displacement, and dislocations within primary particles, intergranular cracking along the grain boundaries within secondary particles, and intensive bulk oxygen release during high state-of-charge and high-temperature aging. The present work highlights the essential role of surface structure controls in overcoming the multiscale degradation pathways of high-energy battery materials at extreme temperature.

Cobalt Recovery from Li-Ion Battery Recycling: A Critical Review

The increasing demand for Li-ion batteries for electric vehicles sheds light upon the Co supply chain. The metal is crucial to the cathode of these batteries, and the leading global producer is the D.R. Congo (70%). For this reason, it is considered critical/strategic due to the risk of interruption of supply in the short and medium term. Due to the increasing consumption for the transportation market, the batteries might be considered a secondary source of Co. The outstanding amount of spent batteries makes them to a core of urban mining warranting special attention. Greener technologies for Co recovery are necessary to achieve sustainable development. As a result of these sourcing challenges, this study is devoted to reviewing the techniques for Co recovery, such as acid leaching (inorganic and organic), separation (solvent extraction, ion exchange resins, and precipitation), and emerging technologies—ionic liquids, deep eutectic solvent, supercritical fluids, nanotechnology, and biohydrometallurgy. A dearth of research in emerging technologies for Co recovery from Li-ion batteries is discussed throughout the manuscript within a broader overview. The study is strictly connected to the Sustainability Development Goals (SDG) number 7, 8, 9, and 12.

Enhanced Jahn-Teller distortion boosts molybdenum trioxide's superior lithium ion storage capability

Upgrading the energy density and cycling life of current lithium ion batteries is urgently needed for developing advanced portable electronics and electric vehicles. Amorphous transition metal oxides (TMO) with inherent lattice disorders exhibit enormous potential as electrode materials owing to their high specific capacity, fast ion diffusion, and excellent cyclic stability. Yet, challenges remain in their controllable synthesis. In this study, the amorphous phase is induced into α-MoO₃ crystal nanobelts at room temperature with the aid of Jahn-Teller effect via enhanced lattice distortion triggered by the accumulation of low-valent molybdenum centers. The optimized HI-MoO₃-36 h exhibits high reversible capacities of 886.0 at 0.1 A g^-1 and 491.1 mA h g^-1 at 1.0 A g^-1, respectively, along with outstanding stability retaining 83.4% initial capacity after 100 cycles at 0.1 A g^-1. The crystal engineering strategy proposed in this work is believed to be a salutary reference towards the synthesis of high-performance TMO anodes for energy storage applications.

Morphology and Chemical Purity of Water Suspension of Graphene Oxide FLAKES Aged for 14 Months in Ambient Conditions. A Preliminary Study

Graphene and its derivatives have attracted scientists’ interest due to their exceptional properties, making them alluring candidates for multiple applications. However, still little is known about the properties of as-obtained graphene derivatives during long-term storage. The aim of this study was to check whether or not 14 months of storage time impacts graphene oxide flakes’ suspension purity. Complementary micro and nanoscale characterization techniques (SEM, AFM, EDS, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and elemental combustion analysis) were implemented for a detailed description of the topography and chemical properties of graphene oxide flakes. The final step was pH evaluation of as-obtained and aged samples. Our findings show that purified flakes sustained their purity over 14 months of storage.

Graphene/PVDF Composites for Ni-rich Oxide Cathodes Toward High-Energy Density Li-ion Batteries

Li-ion batteries (LIBs) employ porous, composite-type electrodes, where few weight percentages of carbonaceous conducting agents and polymeric binders are required to bestow electrodes with electrical conductivity and mechanical robustness. However, the use of such inactive materials has limited enhancements of battery performance in terms of energy density and safety. In this study, we introduced graphene/polyvinylidene fluoride (Gr/PVdF) composites in Ni-rich oxide cathodes for LIBs, replacing conventional conducting agents, carbon black (CB) nanoparticles. By using Gr/PVdF suspensions, we fabricated highly dense LiNi_0.85Co_0.15Al_0.05O₂ (NCA) cathodes having a uniform distribution of conductive Gr sheets without CB nanoparticles, which was confirmed by scanning spreading resistance microscopy mode using atomic force microscopy. At a high content of 99 wt.% NCA, good cycling stability was shown with significantly improved areal capacity (Q_areal) and volumetric capacity (Q_vol), relative to the CB/PVdF-containing NCA electrode with a commercial-level of electrode parameters. The NCA electrodes using 1 wt.% Gr/PVdF (0.9:0.1) delivered a high Q_areal of ~3.7 mAh cm⁻² (~19% increment) and a high Q_vol of ~774 mAh cm⁻³ (~18% increment) at a current rate of 0.2 C, as compared to the conventional NCA electrode. Our results suggest a viable strategy for superseding conventional conducting agents (CB) and improving the electrochemical performance of Ni-rich cathodes for advanced LIBs.