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Published on: November 11, 2013
Interfacial and structural transformations in Ni-rich cathodes: a roadmap toward chemical stability
Surasak Kaenket1, Techin Mamiamuang1, Nattanon Joraleechanchai1
1Centre of Excellence for Energy Storage Technology, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Energy Science and Engineering, Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology, Rayong 21210, Thailand. montree.s@vistec.ac.th.
Ni-rich layered oxide cathodes offer high energy density for lithium-ion batteries but degrade at high nickel content. This review details degradation mechanisms and scalable strategies for improved durability and safety in next-generation battery materials.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Ni-rich layered oxides (NMC, NCA) are crucial for high-energy lithium-ion batteries (>200 mA h g⁻¹).
- High nickel content (>80%) leads to degradation: cation disorder, oxygen loss, and interfacial instability, limiting battery life and safety.
- Current strategies focus on mitigating these issues for practical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive roadmap linking degradation mechanisms to scalable mitigation strategies for Ni-rich cathodes.
- To bridge fundamental insights with technology readiness level (TRL) 9 implementation.
- To guide the design of next-generation cathodes for long-term durability and safety.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of lattice-level degradation (antisite defects, phase transitions) and mitigation via doping and morphology control.
- Investigation of electronic-level degradation (oxygen redox, lattice-oxygen release) and countermeasures like coatings and additives.
- Examination of interfacial degradation (parasitic reactions, CEI formation) and stabilization using advanced electrolytes and separators.
- Highlighting manufacturing-compatible solutions like mechanofusion, ALD, sputtering, and nanoshell growth.
Main Results:
- Bulk doping (W, Ti, Zr, Sc) and optimized morphologies (single-crystal, columnar) mitigate lattice degradation.
- Oxygen-constraining coatings, prelithiation, and redox buffers address electronic degradation.
- Fluorine-rich electrolytes and functionalized separators stabilize interfaces, suppressing HF and metal dissolution.
- Manufacturing techniques enable integrated surface and bulk stabilization for high-voltage cycling (>4.5 V).
Conclusions:
- A unified framework for lattice, oxygen, and interfacial stabilization is presented.
- Actionable guidance for designing durable, safe, and manufacturable Ni-rich cathodes is provided.
- These advancements are critical for the global electrification era and sustainable battery technology.
