Design of high‐performance and sustainable Co‐free Ni‐rich cathodes for next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries

Abstract

Great attention has been given to high‐performance and inexpensive lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) in response to the ever‐increasing demand for the explosive growth of electric vehicles (EVs). High‐performance and low‐cost Co‐free Ni‐rich layered cathodes are considered one of the most favorable candidates for next‐generation LIBs because the current supply chain of EVs relies heavily on scarce and expensive Co. Herein, we review the recent research progress on Co‐free Ni‐rich layered cathodes, emphasizing on analyzing the necessity of replacing Co and the popular improvment methods. The current advancements in the design strategies of Co‐free Ni‐rich layered cathodes are summarized in detail. Despite considerable improvements achieved so far, the main technical challenges contributing to the deterioration of Co‐free Ni‐rich cathodes such as detrimental phase transitions, crack formation, and severe interfacial side reactions, are difficult to resolve by a single technique. The cooperation of multiple modification strategies is expected to accelerate the industrialization of Co‐free Ni‐rich layered cathodes, and the corresponding synergistic mechanisms urgently need to be studied. More effects will be aroused to explore high‐performance Co‐free Ni‐rich layered cathodes to promote the sustainable development of LIBs.

Inducing Na+ Site Rearrangement Through a Cosubstitution Strategy for Rapid Na Diffusion Kinetics of P2-Type Layered Metal Oxides

“…34 The microcracks exacerbate the side reactions between the cathode surface and the electrolyte, thereby accelerating structural degradation and resulting in poor cycling performance. 35 NLNZM exhibits the lowest microstress (2.795 × 10 −3 ), which can ensure outstanding cycling stability without structural collapse during long-term cycling. The mechanism of sodium storage within the voltage range of 2−4.5 V was analyzed to understand the synergistic effect of Li and Zn on the electrochemical properties.…”

“…Due to the accumulation of microstresses caused by lattice volume changes in materials during long-term cycling, microstresses often lead to the generation of microcracks . The microcracks exacerbate the side reactions between the cathode surface and the electrolyte, thereby accelerating structural degradation and resulting in poor cycling performance . NLNZM exhibits the lowest microstress (2.795 × 10 –3 ), which can ensure outstanding cycling stability without structural collapse during long-term cycling.…”

The future nickel metal supply for lithium-ion batteries

“…Surface coating method was carried out by modifying a protective layer on the cathode surfaces, which eliminates the direct contact between NCM and electrolyte and inhibits side reactions. 75 Under ideal conditions, the protective layer is expected as thin and homogeneous with good ionic conductivity. Surface coating can be divided into nonactive materials, Li-reactive and lithium-ion conductive materials, and conductive polymer materials.…”