Performance Optimization of High Ni (≥90%) Cathode Materials: Synthesis & Calcination

Abstract

The widespread deployment of electric vehicles (EVs), powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), represents an opportunity to massively reduce fossil fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in the transportation sector. To increase the interest of the consumer, EVs should have a similar performance to that of internal combustion engine powered vehicles, such as a long driving range. However, the driving range of EV’s is limited by the battery performance, which is related to the properties of the cathode material in the battery. Therefore, the development of advanced cathodes is needed. Although pure LiNiO2 (LNO) was explored as a possible high-capacity candidate in the 1990s, it has since been recognized as inadequate due to its poor performance originating from structural instability. The current state-of-the-art cathodes for EV Li-ion batteries are derived from layered LiNiO2 (LNO) by substitution of Ni with other elements such as Mn, Co, and Al – so called LiNixMnyCozAl1-x-y-zO2 (NMCA). Typically, LNO is reported as a baseline material in order to measure improvements related to doping/coating strategies for NMCA-class cathodes. However, for the purpose of a full understanding of the role of Mn, Co, Al, and other dopants in NMCAs, the development of a truly state-of-the-art, LNO-based cathode should be accomplished. This presentation will focus on the various optimization strategies and parameters affecting the synthesis and performance of LNO and LNO-based, high-Ni cathodes synthesized at Argonne National Laboratory. Their potential applicability to battery applications will be reviewed.