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Phase Transformation Enables Stable Cycling and Fast Charging of Cation-Disordered Rocksalt Cathodes
1Energy Technologies and Systems Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|June 22, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a novel Li-excess disordered rocksalt (DRX) cathode for advanced lithium-ion batteries. This material offers high capacity and long cycle life, crucial for next-generation energy storage solutions.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Storage
Background:
- High-capacity, long-life cathodes are essential for improving lithium-ion battery performance.
- Current battery technology faces limitations in energy density and longevity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a novel Li-excess cation-disordered rocksalt (DRX) cathode material.
- To evaluate the electrochemical performance, including capacity, cycle life, and charge rates.
- To investigate the structural and chemical stability during electrochemical cycling.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of Li-excess disordered rocksalt cathode material (Li 1.167Mn 0.7Ti 0.133O 1.8F 0.2).
- Electrochemical testing including galvanostatic cycling and rate capability measurements.
- Characterization using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
Main Results:
- The developed DRX cathode (M 0.7F 0.2) delivered a capacity approaching 250 mAh g -1 with excellent cycling stability (200 mAh g -1 over 200 cycles) at an average discharge voltage of 3.1 V.
- Fast charging capability was achieved, with over 240 mAh g -1 at 2C for 100 cycles, attributed to the formation of a spinel-like phase.
- XAS and TEM confirmed reversible electrochemical redox processes and stable manganese local structures during 2 V discharge.
Conclusions:
- The Li-excess disordered rocksalt cathode demonstrates significant potential for next-generation lithium-ion batteries.
- The findings provide insights into overcoming kinetic limitations and optimizing the cathode-electrolyte interface for improved battery performance.
- This work highlights a promising strategy for developing advanced cathode materials for high-energy storage applications.
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