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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
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Characterization of Electrode Materials for Lithium Ion and Sodium Ion Batteries Using Synchrotron Radiation Techniques
Published on: November 11, 2013
Elemental Tuning of NMC Cathode Materials: Atomic Structural Variations Drive Performance Improvements
S M Shaikhul Islam1, Ali Nosrati1, Osman Goni Shovon1
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, CEAS, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|July 23, 2026
Summary
This review clarifies how elemental composition affects lithium-ion battery cathode performance. Understanding these relationships is key to developing high-energy, long-lasting batteries with nickel-manganese-cobalt oxide materials.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Battery Technology
Background:
- Layered lithium nickel-manganese-cobalt oxides (NMCs) are leading cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs).
- Performance decay mechanisms related to elemental composition in NMCs require further understanding.
- Optimizing NMC cathodes is crucial for advancing high-energy-density and long-cycle-life battery applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the relationship between electrochemical performance and structural evolution in NMC materials.
- To examine the impact of individual elements and compositional variations on battery performance.
- To provide insights for designing next-generation LIBs with improved cathode materials.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on NMC materials.
- Comparative analysis of single crystal (SC) and polycrystalline (PC) NMCs.
- Examination of elemental variations through substitution, doping, concentration gradients, and surface coatings.
- Analysis of particle size effects on battery performance.
Main Results:
- Elemental composition significantly influences the electrochemical performance and structural evolution of NMCs.
- Atomic-level interactions between structure and properties are critical for performance.
- Modification strategies and particle size impact overall battery characteristics.
- Ni-rich and Co-free compositions show promise for high capacity retention.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the correlation between atomic structural variations and electrochemical properties is vital for optimizing NMC cathode design.
- Insights gained can guide the development of advanced liquid and solid-state LIBs.
- Tailoring composition, morphology, and processing is key to achieving high-energy-density and long-cycle-life batteries.
