Although there have been numerous efforts to develop alternative cathode materials, layered lithium transition metal (TM) oxides based on the structure of LiTMO2, such as lithium nickel (Ni)-manganese (Mn)-cobalt (Co) oxide (NMC), remain the majority of cathode materials in commercial Li ion batteries. As the cell chemistry of NMC811 is on the verge of reaching initial market penetration, a grand challenge for the field is a quest for extremely low-Co or even Co-free layered cathodes to reduce the reliance on high-cost and toxic Co. However, it is well known that LiNiO2 (LNO) has high capacity but is thermally unstable at the charged state and has poor cycle life. Recently, our group has developed a new Co-free layered oxide that could deliver an energy density of ~800 Wh/kg at the material level. The material has a bimodal distribution of dual dopants that allow for simultaneously improving the bulk and surface chemistry of cathodes in Li ion batteries. Herein, we report on the formation mechanism of this new Co-free layered oxide using an advanced diagnostic suite of X-ray tools, including but not limited to X-ray absorption spectroscopy, diffraction, electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis as functions of temperature, and calcination duration. The results exhibit notable phase transformation, transition metal oxidation state change, and redistribution of dopants upon calcination. We anticipate that we will be able to establish a knowledge base for improving the synthetic protocols by tuning the calcination temperature and time.

Investigating the phase evolution and dopant distribution in Co-free high energy layered cathodes for Li ion batteries

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.