High Pressure Effect on Structural and Electrochemical Properties of Anionic Redox-Based Lithium Transition Metal Oxides

Abstract

Summary The richness of anionic redox chemistry in the solid state offers new opportunities and a possible paradigm shift in energy storage. The excess capacity that goes beyond conventional theoretical values is attributed to the anionic redox in Li-rich transition metal oxide cathodes for Li-ion batteries. Their electrochemical behavior is thermodynamically determined by structural evolution. To better understand the electrochemical dependence on structural factors, we have induced structural modifications in pristine and electrochemically activated Li1.144Ni0.136Co0.136Mn0.544O2 through high-pressure treatment. A unique cyclical change of structural reordering is observed in the anionic redox-activated material during operando pressure sweep, characterized by a periodic evolution of superlattice peak intensity in synchrotron X-ray diffraction patterns. During the structural reordering period, the bulk compressibility of the material decreases, even becoming negative. These insights elucidate the structural flexibility and metastability of anionic redox-based materials, which can undergo large compressions and structural modifications while delivering good electrochemical properties.