Unlocking the mystery behind the performance decline in a promising cathode material
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1048531
By DOE/ARGONNE NATIONAL LABORATORY
Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory have identified why a promising lithium-ion battery cathode material degrades with use. The material, a nickel-rich lithium nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) oxide, was expected to solve battery longevity issues. However, even single-crystal forms failed prematurely. Using advanced X-ray and electron microscopy methods, the team found that repeated charge-discharge cycles cause strain and rotation in the crystal lattice, leading to performance drops. This discovery is crucial for developing longer-lasting, cost-effective electric vehicle batteries.