Cobalt-free Single Crystal Layered Cathode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries

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Lithium-ion batteries (LIB) are promising electrochemical storage (EES) techniques for energy storage and conversion especially for energy grid storage and electric vehicles as they offer higher efficiency, higher energy density and longer cycle life than conventional technologies. Despite delivering stable cycle life at room temperature, commercial LIBs contain toxic cobalt-based cathodes (LiCoO2) and its performance at high cut-off voltages and high-temperature testing is not adequate. The main requirement for cathode materials to be applied in large scale LIBs is that should contain less expensive and low toxic materials without sacrificing its electrochemical performance. In addition, conventional co-precipitation methods used for LIB cathode materials synthesis discharge toxic by-products to the environment in very large quantities. Therefore, it is essential to design a low cost and less toxic cathode materials that can deliver high stability and rate performance at both high voltages and temperature operation. Besides, the focuses should also be made to replace the conventional polycrystalline cathode materials, which undergo severe structural alterations during the charge-discharge process due to the anisotropic stress, affecting its long-term stability. Hence, the proposed project targets the development of environmentally benign cobalt-free single crystal layered cathode materials for LIBs in an eco-friendly way. These novel single crystal cathode materials are suitable for high voltage applications as they are very robust against microcracks and structural changes during the electrochemical reactions. Dr. Zhongwei Chen's group at the University of Waterloo will work with two leading manufacturers of engineered parts, Pro-Flange, and Canadian Solar to design and prepare structurally stable, single crystal, layered metal oxide cathode materials for LIB applications using a closed-loop, minimal waste synthesis method. Ultimately, the project will help enable Canadian LIB manufacturers to produce large scale batteries for the applications of electric vehicles and energy grid storage in Canada and beyond, at a lower cost and with less environmental impact. Moreover, this project will offer opportunities for enriched training experiences.