Stabilizing lithium-ion batteries: The vanadium touch

As demand surges for electric vehicles and energy storage systems, lithium-ion batteries need to deliver higher energy densities at lower costs. While conventional cathode materials such as LiFePO₄ and Li-Ni-Co-Mn-O are widely used, they often fail to balance performance with affordability.

Lithium-rich manganese oxides (LRMOs) have emerged as a potential alternative due to their high capacity and cobalt-free composition. However, their low initial Coulombic efficiency and rapid voltage decay have limited their broader application. Addressing these challenges requires deeper research to stabilize LRMOs for widespread commercial use.

In September, 2024, a team from Guangdong University of Technology, led by Dong Luo and Chenyu Liu, published a study in Energy Materials and Devices that marks a significant advancement in lithium-ion battery technology.

Their research demonstrates how treating lithium-rich cathode materials with NH₄VO₃ results in a vanadium-doped spinel-layered structure that enhances both initial Coulombic efficiency and voltage stability. This simple yet effective modification represents a major step toward improving the sustainability and performance of high-energy lithium-ion batteries.

The study addresses two long-standing issues in LRMO cathodes: low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) and rapid voltage decay. The research team employed a hydrothermal treatment using NH₄VO₃, which introduced vanadium to the cathode surface, forming a V-doped spinel-layered structure.

This innovative structure improved lithium-ion diffusion and reduced surface interface reactions, thereby stabilizing the oxygen redox process. Notably, the ICE jumped from 74.4% to 91.6%, surpassing the threshold required for commercialization. In addition to the significant boost in efficiency, the cathode also demonstrated impressive voltage stability, with a minimal decay of only 0.47 mV per cycle over 200 cycles.

This improvement is linked to the suppression of irreversible oxygen release and the formation of strong V-O bonds, which reinforce the material's structural stability. By addressing these critical challenges, the study highlights a promising approach to enhancing the performance and lifespan of LRMO cathodes, making them more suitable for high-energy applications.

Lead scientist Professor Dong Luo stated, "Our findings offer a practical and highly effective method for tackling the persistent challenges of low Coulombic efficiency and voltage decay in lithium-rich cathodes. By incorporating vanadium, we've significantly improved redox stability and voltage performance, paving the way for next-generation lithium-ion batteries to meet the growing energy needs of sectors like electric vehicles and renewable energy storage."

The V-doped lithium-rich cathode holds strong potential for applications in electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and consumer electronics, where battery efficiency and longevity are paramount. The improved efficiency and stability not only promise to lower costs by eliminating cobalt but also enhance overall battery performance. As this technology scales, it could lead to more affordable and sustainable energy solutions, accelerating the global shift towards cleaner, more efficient power sources.

Provided by Tsinghua University Press