High Nickel and No Cobalt─The Pursuit of Next-Generation Layered Oxide Cathodes

Abstract

The prosperity of the electric vehicle industry is driving the research and development of lithium-ion batteries. As one of the core components in the entire battery system, cathode materials are currently facing major challenges in pushing a higher capacity up to the materials' theoretical limits and transitioning away from unaffordable metals. The search for next-generation cathode materials has shifted to high-nickel and cobalt-free cathodes to meet these requirements. In this review, we distinctly point out the shortcomings of cobalt in stabilizing layered structures and systematically summarize the recent efforts to eliminate cobalt and achieve higher nickel content in layered cathode materials. Finally, a reasonable prospect is put forward for further development of layered cathode materials and other promising candidates, which is likely to spur a wave of efforts toward developing high-performance and low-cost Li-ion batteries.

Cobalt‐Free Cathode Materials: Families and their Prospects

“…[107] Very recently, Liu et al [108] developed a series of Co-free LiNi α Mn β X γ O 2 (X = single or multiple dopants) cathodes. Their study results show that Co can effectively suppress Li/Ni mixing in Co-rich cathodes, but causes more serious morphological damage and structural degradation during cycling, [109] such as TM dissolution and O 2 release. While Co-free cathodes with Mn substitution have more Li/Ni disorder, but exhibit better bulk structural stability [110] as shown in Figure 7d.…”

Recent progress in ZnCo2O4 and its composites for energy storage and conversion: a review

“…For instance, the incorporation (or metal-ion doping) of a third and fourth metal ion 3 or the development of high entropy materials 298 can be decisive for improving energy storage and for electrocatalytic activity 284 . In fact, these strategies can also help in the challenge of minimizing the use of Co, which are pushing a new trend of emerging low-Co (and Co-free) materials as next-generation electrode materials for energy applications 299 . In addition, the research should seek to increase the conductivity and porosity of ZnCo2O4/carbons composites as strategies for manufacturing electrodes with high mass loading for real application.…”

“…289 In fact, these strategies can also help in the challenge of minimizing the use of Co, which are pushing a new trend of emerging low-Co (and Co-free) materials as next-generation electrode materials for energy applications. 297 In addition, the research should seek to increase the conductivity and porosity of ZnCo 2 O 4 /carbon composites as strategies for manufacturing electrodes with high mass loading for real application. From this perspective, the preparation of ZnCo 2 O 4 /carbon derived from MOFs should be studied more deeply, especially those derived from the zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-67, ZIF-8, ZIF-67 + ZIF-8, etc.).…”

Interfacial Stabilization of Li2O-Based Cathodes by Malonic-Acid-Functionalized Fullerenes as a Superoxo-Radical Scavenger for Suppressing Parasitic Reactions

“…Recently, the rapid spread of electric vehicles has triggered a leap forward in the LIB industry. However, LIBs still have some shortcomings in terms of performance such as insufficient energy density, safety, and cycling life. − In particular, increasing the weight-specific energy density to enable electric vehicles to drive longer distances is essential for advancing the LIB industry. To meet this need, several decades of research have actively focused on increasing the energy density of cathodes. − As a result of these efforts, the capacity of commercial cathodes has considerably increased from 130–140 mAh·g –1 (LiCoO 2 ) to more than 200 mAh·g –1 (NCM 811).…”