Resolving Charge Distribution for Compositionally Heterogeneous Battery Cathode Materials

The isostructural nature of Li-layered cathodes allows for accommodating multiple transition metals (TMs). However, little is known about how the local TM stoichiometry influences the charging behavior of battery particles thus impacting battery performance. Here, we develop heterogeneous compositional distributions in polycrystalline LiNi_1-x-yMn_xCo_yO₂ (NMC) particles to investigate the interplay between local stoichiometry and charge distribution. These NMC particles exhibit a broad, continuous distribution of local Ni/Mn/Co stoichiometry, which does not compromise the global layeredness. The local Mn and Ni concentrations in individual NMC particles are positively and negatively correlated with the electrochemically induced Ni oxidation, respectively, whereas the Co concentration does not impose a clear effect on the Ni oxidation. The resulting material delivers excellent reversible capacity, rate capability, and cycle life at high operating voltages. Engineering Ni/Mn/Co distribution in NMC particles may provide a path toward controlling the charge distribution and thus chemomechanical properties of polycrystalline battery particles.

Behavior of Solid Electrolyte in Li-Polymer Battery with NMC Cathode via in-Situ Scanning Electron Microscopy

We present the first results of in situ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of an all-solid Li battery with a nickel-manganese-cobalt-oxide (NMC-622) cathode at 50 °C and an operating voltage of 2.7-4.3 V. Experiments were conducted under a constant current at several C rates (nC rate: cycling in 1/n h): C/12, C/6, and C/3. The microstructure evolution during cycling was monitored by continuous secondary electron imaging. We found that the chemical degradation of the solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) was the main mechanism for battery failure. This degradation was observed in the form of a gradual thinning of the SPE as a function of cycling time, resulting in gas generation from the cell. We also present various dynamic electrochemical and mechanical phenomena, as observed by SEM images, and compare the performance of this battery with that of an all-solid Li battery with a LiFePO₄ cathode.

Stabilizing Polyether Electrolyte with a 4 V Metal Oxide Cathode by Nanoscale Interfacial Coating

Safety is critical to developing next-generation batteries with high-energy density. Polyether-based electrolytes, such as poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), are attractive alternatives to the current flammable liquid organic electrolyte, since they are much more thermally stable and compatible with high-capacity lithium anode. Unfortunately, they are not stable with 4 V Li(Ni_xMn_yCo_1-x-y)O₂ (NMC) cathodes, hindering them from application in batteries with high-energy density. Here, we report that the compatibility between PEG electrolyte and NMC cathodes can be significantly improved by forming a 2 nm Al₂O₃ coating on the NMC surface. This nanoscale coating dramatically changes the composition of the cathode electrolyte interphase and thus stabilizes the PEG electrolyte with the NMC cathode. With Al₂O₃, the capacity remains at 84.7% after 80 cycles and 70.3% after 180 cycles. In contrast, the capacity fades to less than 50% after only 20 cycles in bare NMC electrodes. This study opens a new opportunity to develop safe electrolyte for lithium batteries with high-energy density.

Quantifying Transport, Geometrical, and Morphological Parameters in Li-Ion Cathode Phases Using X-ray Microtomography

The charge/discharge capabilities of Li-ion cathodes are influenced by the meso-scale geometry, transport properties, and morphological parameters of the constituent phases in the cathode: active material, binder, conductive additive, and pore. Electrode processing influences the structure and attendant properties of these constituents. Thus, performance of the battery can be enhanced by correlating various electrode processing techniques with the charge/discharge behavior in the lithium-ion cathodes. X-ray microtomography was used to image samples obtained from pristine Li(Ni_1/3Mn_1/3Co_1/3)O₂ (NMC) cathodes subjected to distinct processing approaches. Two sample preparation approaches were applied to the samples prior to microtomography. Casting the samples in epoxy yielded only the cathode active material domain. Encapsulating the sample with Kapton tape yielded phase contrast data that permitted segmentation of the active material and combined carbon/binder and pore regions. Geometrical and morphological details of the active material and the secondary phases were characterized and compared between the varied processing approaches. Calendered and ball-milled samples exhibited distinct differences in both geometry and morphology. Drying modes demonstrated variation in the distribution of the secondary and pore phases. Applying phase contrast capabilities, the processing-morphology relationship can be better understood to enhance overall battery performance across multiple scales.

Dissolution Mechanisms of LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 Positive Electrode Material from Lithium-Ion Batteries in Acid Solution

The sustainability through the energy and environmental costs involve the development of new cathode materials, considering the material abundance, the toxicity, and the end of life. Currently, some synthesis methods of new cathode materials and a large majority of recycling processes are based on the use of acidic solutions. This study addresses the mechanistic and limiting aspects on the dissolution of the layered LiNi_1/3Mn_1/3Co_1/3O₂ oxide in acidic solution. The results show a dissolution of the active cathode material in two steps, which leads to the formation of a well-defined core-shell structure inducing an enrichment in manganese on the particle surface. The crucial role of lithium extraction is discussed and considered as the source of a "self-regulating" dissolution process. The delithiation involves a cumulative charge compensation by the cationic and anionic redox reactions. The electrons generated from the compensation of charge conduct to the dissolution by the protons. The delithiation and its implications on the side reactions, by the modification of the potential, explain the structural and compositional evolutions observed toward a composite material MnO₂·Li _xMO₂ (M = Ni, Mn, and Co). The study shows a clear way to produce new cathode materials and recover transition metals from Li-ion batteries by hydrometallurgical processes.

Atomic Layer Deposition of Al2O3-Ga2O3 Alloy Coatings for Li[Ni0.5Mn0.3Co0.2]O2 Cathode to Improve Rate Performance in Li-Ion Battery

Metal oxide coatings can improve the electrochemical stability of cathodes and hence, their cycle-life in rechargeable batteries. However, such coatings often impose an additional electrical and ionic transport resistance to cathode surfaces leading to poor charge-discharge capacity at high C-rates. Here, a mixed oxide (Al2O3)1-x(Ga2O3)x alloy coating, prepared via atomic layer deposition (ALD), on Li[Ni0.5Mn0.3Co0.2]O2 (NMC) cathodes is developed that has increased electron conductivity and demonstrated an improved rate performance in comparison to uncoated NMC. A "co-pulsing" ALD technique was used which allows intimate and controlled ternary mixing of deposited film to obtain nanometer-thick mixed oxide coatings. Co-pulsing allows for independent control over film composition and thickness in contrast to separate sequential pulsing of the metal sources. (Al2O3)1-x(Ga2O3)x alloy coatings were demonstrated to improve the cycle life of the battery. Cycle tests show that increasing Al-content in alloy coatings increases capacity retention; whereas a mixture of compositions near (Al2O3)0.5(Ga2O3)0.5 was found to produce the optimal rate performance.