Sign in Subscribe
Batteries

Unlocking the Potential of Cobalt-Free Lithium-Ion Cathodes

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at the Institute for Applied Materials (IAM) have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of chemical and chemistry research. A new study has shed light on the potential of cobalt-free lithium-ion cathodes, revolutionizing the way we think about battery technology. The study, published in the journal ACS Nano, reveals that high-voltage, low-nickel, cobalt-free layered oxides are promising candidates for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries. However, the practical application of these oxides has been hindered by intrinsic cation disorder and structural degradation at high voltages.

Key Takeaways:

  • The researchers at IAM have developed a lithium-enriched, cobalt-free layered oxide, LiNiMnO, which features lithium-rich disorder domains achieved through chemical composition optimization.
  • Theoretical calculations indicate that this in-plane and out-of-plane disorder enables reversible oxygen redox activity without oxygen release at high voltages.
  • The cathode delivers an impressive discharge capacity of 202.2 mAh g at C/10 and exceptional cycling stability, retaining 96.3% of its capacity after 200 cycles at C/3 within a voltage range of 2.5-4.55 V.
  • The research provides valuable insights into the design of high-energy-density, cobalt-free layered cathodes.
  • The study was conducted by a team of researchers led by Hang Li from IAM, with collaborators from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and other institutions.
  • The research has been peer-reviewed and published in the journal ACS Nano.
  • The findings have significant implications for the development of cobalt-free lithium-ion batteries, which could reduce the environmental and social impact of battery production.

Statistics:

  • The cathode delivers a discharge capacity of 202.2 mAh g at C/10.
  • The cathode retains 96.3% of its capacity after 200 cycles at C/3.
  • The voltage range of the cathode is 2.5-4.55 V.
  • The study was conducted by a team of 17 researchers from IAM, KIT, and other institutions.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. "Findings from Institute for Applied Materials (IAM) in the Area of Chemicals and Chemistry Described (Unlocking the Potential of Cobalt-Free Lithium-Ion Cathodes via Lithium-Rich Disorder Domains)." Electronics Newsweekly, November 4, 2025; p 544.
  • ACS Nano. "Unlocking the Potential of Cobalt-Free Lithium-Ion Cathodes via Lithium-Rich Disorder Domains." ACS Nano, 2025.
  • ACS Nano can be contacted at: Amer Chemical Soc, 1155 16TH St, NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA. (American Chemical Society - www.acs.org; ACS Nano - www.pubs.acs.org/journal/ancac3)

Read more