Compositionally Partitioned Li[Ni0.9Mn0.1]O2 Cathode That Affords Fast-Charging Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract

The development of Co-free Li[NixMn1−x]O2 cathodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) that can supersede Co-containing Li[NixCoyMn1−x−y]O2 and Li[NixCoyAl1−x−y]O2 cathodes is considered a priority as Co is associated with price volatility, environmental concerns, and human rights violations.1,2 In this study, a morphology-engineering approach is used to develop a Co-free Li[Ni0.9Mn0.1]O2 cathode with a Ni-rich core–Mn-rich shell structure to overcome the limitations of Co-free Li[NixMn1−x]O2 cathodes. The engineered morphology of the Co-free Li[Ni0.9Mn0.1]O2 cathode particles effectively dissipates internal strain caused by state-of-charge heterogeneity and fracture toughening the cathode. the Co-free cathode demonstrates excellent long-term cycling stability; it retains 78.5% of its initial capacity after 2000 cycles at 1 C charge and 0.8 C discharge rates, and retains an unprecedented 79.5% after 1000 cycles under fast-charging conditions (3 C charge and 1 C discharge). The proposed Co-free layered oxide cathode represents a next-generation cathode that affords fast-charging and durable LIBs, which are more cost effective than LIBs featuring commercial Co-containing cathodes. Reference s : [1] A. Aishova, G.-T. Park, C. S. Yoon, Y.-K. Sun, Adv. Energy Mater. 10 (2019) 1903179..[2] G.-T. Park, B. Namkoong, S.-B. Kim, J. Liu, C. S. Yoon, Y.-K. Sun, Nat. Energy 7 (2022) 946.