Highlights

High-Energy Cathode Materials for Li-Ion Batteries

Scientific Achievement

Nano-sized structured dense and spherical layered high-capacity cathode materials were investigated in order to enable high-energy density and high-rate capability electrodes for lithium-ion batteries for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs) applications.  It has been consistently found that the sub-morphology and micro-texture of an active material make a significant impact on the electrochemical performance and packing density of the electrode.  The specifically nano-sized structured and spherical layered positive electrode material Li_1.1Ni_0.2Mn_0.6O₂ can provide high specific reversible capacity more than 250 mAh/g between 2-4.6 V, high packing density up to 2.06 g/cm³, and hence high specific-energy density, high rate capability with 210 mAh/g capacity at around 1 C rate (250 mA/g), and outstanding cycling performance.

Significance

This study allowed us to selected materials that have can power plug-in hybrid electric cars with a 40-miles all electric drive.  The Department of Energy has significantly increased funding for this research in FY09.

Performers

I. Belharouak, H. Deng (Argonne-CSE)