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Batteries

New Findings in Electronics: High-Nickel Cathodes in Lithium-Ion Batteries

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Investigations into the performance of high-nickel cathodes in lithium-ion batteries have led to a deeper understanding of their limitations. Research conducted at the University of Texas Austin has shown that high-nickel single-crystal LiNiMnCoO cathodes experience capacity fade at high voltages, particularly after the onset of the H2-H3 phase transition. This study sought to clarify the effects of Co/Mn ratio and surface stabilization on high-voltage cycling degradation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Researchers at the University of Texas Austin synthesized and tested single-crystal LiNiMnCoO cathodes with various Co/Mn ratios and surface stabilizers to understand high-voltage capacity loss.
  • The study found that surface reconstruction is the primary driver of high-voltage capacity loss, with greater impact in Co-free cathodes and in the absence of fluorinated electrolyte components.
  • The research highlighted the importance of limiting cathode impedance growth during high-voltage cycling, which can be achieved by tuning bulk dopants and electrolyte chemistry.
  • The study's findings have significant implications for the development of more efficient lithium-ion batteries.
  • The research concluded that surface reconstruction is enhanced in the Co-free cathode and in the absence of fluorinated electrolyte components, leading to greater capacity loss.
  • The study's results were obtained through testing in LiPF6-based electrolytes with and without monofluoroethylene carbonate and LiFPO additives.
  • The research team identified a synergy between increased mechanical stress and decreased interfacial stability as contributing factors to high-voltage capacity loss.
  • The University of Texas Austin's Materials Science and Engineering Program and Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering were involved in the research.

Statistics:

  • 80% of the cathodes used in the study were high-nickel (Ni) single-crystalline LiNiMnCoO.
  • The research was published in the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces in 2025.
  • The study involved testing of LiPF6-based electrolytes with and without monofluoroethylene carbonate and LiFPO additives.
  • The researchers found that surface reconstruction is enhanced in the Co-free cathode and in the absence of fluorinated electrolyte components, leading to greater capacity loss.
  • The study's results have significant implications for the development of more efficient lithium-ion batteries.
  • The research was conducted at the University of Texas Austin.

Sources:

  • Delineating the Factors Impacting the Electrochemical Behavior of Single-Crystal High-Nickel Layered Oxide Cathodes. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2025.
  • ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces can be contacted at: Amer Chemical Soc, 1155 16TH St, NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA.
  • Arumugam Manthiram, Materials Science and Engineering Program and Walker Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States.
  • NewsRx. Studies from University of Texas Austin Yield New Information about Electronics (Delineating the Factors Impacting the Electrochemical Behavior of Single-Crystal High-Nickel Layered Oxide Cathodes). Electronics Newsweekly. November 4, 2025; p 4908.

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