INVENTORS
Mark Hersam*
Norman Luu
SHORT DESCRIPTION A novel graphene-ethyl cellulose (GrEC) coating technique that significantly enhances the ambient stability of nickel-rich lithium-ion battery (LIB) cathode materials by preventing the formation of surface impurities.
BACKGROUND Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are crucial for the clean energy transition, with Ni-rich layered oxides serving as key materials for high-density energy storage. However, these materials are highly sensitive to ambient conditions, leading to surface impurities that compromise their electrochemical performance. Traditional methods to mitigate these effects involve costly and energy-intensive dry room storage or complex chemical treatments.
ABSTRACT This technology introduces a protective graphene-ethyl cellulose (GrEC) coating for nickel-rich lithium-ion battery (LIB) cathode materials, such as LiNiO2 (LNO), to enhance their ambient stability. The GrEC coating acts as a hydrophobic barrier, preventing direct contact between the cathode material and atmospheric moisture and CO2. This method effectively inhibits the formation of lithium hydroxides and carbonates on the LNO surface, preserving its electrochemical integrity even after exposure to humidified CO2. The application of this coating is a scalable solution that can be generalized to a wide range of ambient-sensitive battery materials, offering a significant advancement in the field of energy storage.
APPLICATIONS
Li-ion batteries
Graphene coating or graphene encapsulation
Cathode materials
Ambient stability
ADVANTAGES
Eliminates the need for costly dry room storage
Applicable in a chemistry-agnostic manner, facilitating broader industrial adoption
Preserves cathode material's electrochemical performance under ambient conditions
Provides a scalable strategy for enhancing the ambient stability of Ni-rich cathode materials