Enhancing the Durability of Lithium-Rich Layered Oxide Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries
A groundbreaking strategy has been developed by a research team led by Professor Jihyun Hong from the Department of Battery Engineering at POSTECH to enhance the durability of lithium-rich layered oxide (LLO) material, a next-generation cathode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). This breakthrough, published in the renowned energy journal Energy & Environmental Science, significantly extends battery lifespan.
Lithium-ion batteries play a crucial role in applications such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). The LLO material offers higher energy density than conventional nickel-based cathodes, making it more economical and sustainable. However, challenges such as capacity fading and voltage decay have hindered its commercial viability.
Previous studies have identified structural changes in the cathode as the cause of these issues, but the exact reasons behind the instability have remained unclear. The POSTECH team focused on the role of oxygen release in destabilizing the LLO structure during the charge-discharge process. By improving the chemical stability of the cathode-electrolyte interface, they were able to prevent oxygen release and enhance structural stability.
The team’s enhanced electrolyte maintained an impressive energy retention rate of 84.3% after 700 charge-discharge cycles, a significant improvement over conventional electrolytes. Structural changes on the surface of the LLO material were also addressed, leading to improved lifespan and performance of the cathode.
Professor Jihyun Hong stated, “Using synchrotron radiation, we were able to analyze the chemical and structural differences between the surface and interior of the cathode particles. This research will provide new directions for developing next-generation cathode materials.”
This research was supported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy through the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology, and the Ministry of Science and ICT through the National Research Foundation of Korea, with funding for 2024.
