A Universal Molten Salt Method for Direct Upcycling of Spent Ni-rich Cathode towards Single-crystalline Li-rich Cathode

With ever-increasing pursuit for high-value output in recycling spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), traditional recycling methods of cathodes tend to be obsolete because of the complicated procedures. Herein, we first upcycle spent polycrystal LiNi_0.88Co_0.095Al_0.025O₂ (S-NCA) to high value-added single-crystalline and Li-rich cathode materials through a simple but feasible LiOH-Na₂SO₄ eutectic molten salt strategy. The in situ X-ray diffraction technique and a series of paratactic experiments record the evolution process of upcycling and prove that excessive Li occupies the transition metal (TM) layers. Beneficial from the single-crystalline and Li-rich nature, the regenerated NCA (R-NCA) exhibits remarkably enhanced electrochemical performances in terms of long-term cyclability, high-rate performance and low polarization. This approach can also be successfully extended to other cathode materials e.g., LiNi_xCo_yMn_zO₂ (NCM) and mixed spent NCAs with varied degree of Li loss.     

Preparation of hierarchical LiNixCoyMnzO2 from solvothermal [NixCoyMnz](OH)2 via regulating the ratio of Ni,Co, and Mn and its excellent properties for lithium-ion battery cathode

The ternary-layered oxide (LiNi_xCo_yMn_zO₂) has become the most promising cathode material for lithium-ion batteries due to the advantages of higher discharge platform, better conductivity, and higher theoretical capacity. The [Ni_xCo_yMn_z](OH)₂ with different ratios of nickel, cobalt, and manganese (NCM) was prepared by solvothermal method, and then ternary cathode material LiNi_xCo_yMn_zO₂ was obtained by mixing lithium and calcining. In this paper, ternary cathode materials with different ratios of NCM were prepared by the solvothermal method. The structure and morphology of the materials were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The effects of the ratio on the electrochemical properties of the materials were investigated by constant current charge and discharge test and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy test. The synthesized lithium-nickel-cobalt-manganese oxide belongs to the hexagonal system and has an α-NaFeO₂ layered structure, which is an R-3m space group. The NCM ternary cathode materials with different morphologies were obtained by changing the ratio of NCM. The sample with NCM ratio of 5:3:2 has a unique sheet-like spherical shape and has the best rate performance.     

Effects of microwave irradiation on the electrochemical performance of manganese-based cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Microwave-assisted synthesis has continued to be adopted for the preparation of high-performance manganese-based cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries. The technique is fast, energy-efficient and has significant positive impacts on the general physico-chemical properties of the cathode materials: LiMn₂O₄, LiMn_1.5Ni_0.5O₄, and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxides. Despite the advantages of microwave-assisted synthesis, this review reveals that the application is still limited. In our opinion, increased basic knowledge of the microwave process and availability of safe and reliable instrumentation could be a great opportunity for the commercial realization of low-cost and energy-dense Mn-based cathode materials for the next-generation lithium-ion batteries.     

Study on the performance of LiMn2O4 using spent Zn–Mn batteries as manganese source

Recycling spent Zn–Mn batteries by synthesizing the products with high added value is very active internationally. In this work, we have successfully synthesized the spinel LiMn₂O₄ cathode materials for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries by simple sol–gel method using the manganese source that is recovered from spent Zn–Mn batteries through hydrometallurgy recycling technology. The influence of sintering temperature on the structure, the morphological properties, and the electrochemical properties of the product is investigated. The results show that spinel LiMn₂O₄ prepared at 700 °C has the best comprehensive performance. Moreover, the electrochemical performance of spinel LiMn₂O₄ has been further optimized by Co-ion doping.     

A Designed Durable Electrolyte for High-Voltage Lithium-Ion Batteries and Mechanism Analysis

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) dominate the energy market, from electronic devices to electric vehicles, but pursuing greater energy density remains challenging owing to the limited electrode capacity. Although increasing the cut-off voltage of LIBs (>4.4 V vs. Li/Li⁺) can enhance the energy density, the aggravated electrolyte decomposition always leads to a severe capacity fading and/or expiry of the battery. Herein, a new durable electrolyte is reported for high-voltage LIBs. The designed electrolyte is composed of mixed linear alkyl carbonate solvent with certain cyclic carbonate additives, in which use of the ethylene carbonate (EC) co-solvent was successfully avoided to suppress the electrolyte decomposition. As a result, an extremely high cycling stability, rate capability, and high-temperature storage performance were demonstrated in the case of a graphite|LiNi_0.6Co_0.2Mn_0.2O₂ (NCM622) battery at 4.45 V when this electrolyte was used. The good compatibility of the electrolyte with the graphite anode and the mitigated structural degradation of the NCM622 cathode are responsible for the high performance at high potentials above 4.4 V. This work presents a promising application of high-voltage electrolytes for pursuing high energy LIBs and provides a straightforward guide to study the electrodes/electrolyte interface for higher stability.     

A Low-Cost and Environmentally Friendly Mixed Polyanionic Cathode for Sodium-Ion Storage

Sodium-ion batteries (NIBs) are the most promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries in the development of renewable energy sources. The advancement of NIBs depends on the exploration of new electrode materials and fundamental understanding of working mechanisms. Herein, via experimental and simulation methods, we develop a mixed polyanionic compound, Na₂Fe(C₂O₄)SO₄⋅H₂O, as a cathode for NIBs. Thanks to its rigid three dimensional framework and the combined inductive effects from oxalate and sulfate, it delivered reversible Na insertion/desertion at average discharging voltages of 3.5 and 3.1 V for 500 cycles with Coulombic efficiencies of ca. 99 %. In situ synchrotron X-ray measurements and DFT calculations demonstrate the Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ redox reactions contribute to electron compensation during Na⁺ desertion/insertion. The study suggests mixed polyanionic frameworks may provide promising materials for Na ion storage with the merits of low cost and environmental friendliness.     

Designing high-capacity cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries

Na-rich layered oxides as cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries were designed using an electrochemical method based on Li-rich layered oxides. The materials show high specific capacity that can reach 234 mAh/g at a current of 5 mA/g. The energy density of this material (644 Wh/kg) is even higher than those of commercial cathodes for lithium-ion batteries, such as LiFePO₄ and LiMn₂O₄. Kinetic analysis of Na⁺ insertion/extraction into/from the Na-rich layered oxide reveals that the Na⁺ diffusion coefficient is about 10^− 14 cm²/s.     

Evaluation of thermal hazard for commercial 14500 lithium-ion batteries

Commercial lithium-ion batteries ranged from different sizes, shapes, capacities, electrolytes, anode and cathode materials, etc. have recently caused many incidents under abusive or normal operating conditions worldwide. Inherently safer designs with active or passive protections have became the captious issues that need more attentions paid to. In this study, the worst scenarios on thermal runaway of four commercial batteries were conducted and compared. A customized-made closed testing instrument was utilized to measure and track thermal behaviors of four brands of cylindrical lithium-ion batteries under maximum open circuit voltage condition. Characteristics on thermal hazards of lithium-ion batteries such as onset temperature, maximum temperature, maximum self-heat rate, maximum pressures, battery mass loss, etc. were measured and evaluated. Results point out that one brand of cells reached the maximum temperature and maximum self-heat rate of 590.9 K and 1,130.4 K min^?1, respectively. In conclusion, in case of thermal runaway all the lithium-ion batteries will rupture the cell and catch fire automatically owing to the maximum temperatures over the auto-ignition temperature of electrolytes and the maximum pressure higher than four times of maximum allowable working pressure, respectively. In addition, Lithium-ion battery with cathode material of LiFePO₄ was verified to be more stable than the lithium-ion battery with cathode material of LiMn₂O₄ or LiCoO₂.     

基于高效回收废旧锂离子电池正极材料的低共熔溶剂的筛选

针对废旧锂离子电池(LIBs)回收过程中产生的二次污染及高能耗等问题, 提出了一种绿色高效浸出废旧LIBs正极材料中有价金属的新方法. 以氯化胆碱和不同的氢键供体(草酸、 丙二酸、 戊二酸和苯磺酸)为原料, 合成了氯化胆碱/酸二元低共熔溶剂(DES)、 氯化胆碱/酸/水和氯化胆碱/酸/乙醇等三元DES. 通过傅里叶变换红外光谱(FTIR)和核磁共振波谱(NMR)表征了氯化胆碱和酸之间氢键的形成过程, 探究了DES中羧酸的烷基链长、 酸性大小以及添加水和乙醇组分对浸出废旧LiCoO₂正极材料的影响. 研究结果表明, 羧酸烷基链长的增加会使DES的浸出能力下降; 酸的酸性大小不能作为溶解金属氧化物能力强弱的主要依据; 加入等摩尔量的水对DES的浸出效率影响较小, 而等摩尔量加入无水乙醇会影响DES的氢键结构, 对浸出结果影响较大. 筛选出氯化胆碱/苯磺酸/乙醇DES作为废旧LiCoO₂绿色高效的浸出剂, Li和Co的浸出效率分别高达98.6%和95.2%.     

New electrolytes using Li2O or Li2O2 oxides and tris(pentafluorophenyl) borane as boron based anion receptor for lithium batteries

A new system of electrolytes has been developed and studied for lithium-ion batteries. This new system is based on the interactions between Li₂O or Li₂O₂ and tris(pentafluorophenyl) borane (TPFPB) in carbonate based organic solvents. This opens up a completely new approach in developing non-aqueous electrolytes. In general, the solubility of Li₂O or Li₂O₂ is very low in organic solvents and the ionic conductivities of these solutions are almost undetectable. By adding certain amount of tris(pentafluorophenyl) borane (TPFPB), one type of boron based anion receptors (BBARs), the solubility of Li₂O or Li₂O₂ in carbonate based solvents was significantly enhanced. In addition, the Li⁺ transference numbers of these new electrolytes measured were as high as 0.7, which are more than 100% higher than the values for the conventional electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries. The room-temperature conductivities are around 1 × 10⁻³ S/cm. These new electrolytes are compatible with LiMn₂O₄ cathode for lithium-ion batteries.     

On the gassing behavior of lithium-ion batteries with NCM523 cathodes

Gas evolution has a profound effect on the functioning of state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries. On one hand, it is the natural concomitant of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation on the anode (reduction of electrolyte components). On the other hand, because of the demand for high terminal voltages, it is also the consequence of electrolyte and/or cathode material oxidation. Overall, gassing happens on the expense of Coulombic efficiency and additionally raises safety issues. Herein, the gassing behavior of one of the most important commercialized cathode materials, namely Ni-rich Li_1 + x Ni_0.5Co_0.2Mn_0.3O₂ (NCM523 with 0.01 < x < 0.05), is reported for the first time. We analyze the generation pattern of the most typical gases H₂, C₂H₄, CO₂, and CO during 30 cycles by means of differential electrochemical mass spectrometry combined with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In a long-term test of an NCM523/graphite cell, we monitor its potential-resolved gas evolution and evaluate the total amount of gas from cycle to cycle. An explanation on the characteristic features of pressure versus time curves during cycling is given by combining the spectrometric and total gas pressure data. With additional information from graphite/lithium cells, the identity of gases formed during SEI formation is revealed.     

Recycling process of spent battery modules in used hybrid electric vehicles using physical/chemical treatments

The physical treatment/chemical treatments for recycling of spent lithium-ion battery modules in used hybrid electric vehicles as cathodic active materials were performed. The result by physical treatment showed that over 95 % valuable metals such as Co, Li, Ni, and Mn were concentrated in 65-mesh during a grinding time 2 min, while just 2.7 % Al was concentrated from spent lithium-ion batteries which were completely electric discharged after 70 min. Through reductive leaching with H₂O₂ and H₂SO₄, leaching efficiency of valuable metals with 65-mesh powder was almost 99 % Co, Mn, Ni, and Li under the conditions of 2 M H₂SO₄, 5 vol% H₂O₂, 60 °C, 300 rpm, 50 g/500 mL, and 2 h. After removing some impurities such as Cu, Al, and Fe, the leaching solutions containing Co, Mn, Ni, and Li could be utilized for manufacturing the precursor of cathodic active material of Li-ion battery. The precursor was manufactured by co-precipitation from the filtrate after calibration of Co, Mn, and Ni concentration adding NaOH and NH₄OH under the conditions over pH 11, 30 °C, 150 rpm, and 24 h. To maintain the pH, 11 is most important level for making homogeneous spherical Co–Mn–Ni hydroxide.     

Review and prospect of layered lithium nickel manganese oxide as cathode materials for Li-ion batteries

Layered structural lithium metal oxides with rhombohedral α-NaFeO₂ crystal structure have been proven to be particularly suitable for application as cathode materials in lithium-ion batteries. Compared with LiCoO₂, lithium nickel manganese oxides are promising, inexpensive, nontoxic, and have high thermal stability; thus, they are extensively studied as alternative cathode electrode materials to the commercial LiCoO₂ electrode. However, a lot of work needs to be done to reduce cost and extend the effective lifetime. In this paper, the development of the layered lithium nickel manganese oxide cathode materials is reviewed from synthesis method, coating, doping to modification, lithium-rich materials, nanostructured materials, and so on, which can make electrochemical performance better. The prospects of lithium nickel manganese oxides as cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries are also looked forward to.     

Synergetic ternary metal oxide nanodots-graphene cathode for high performance zinc energy storage

Zinc-based electrochemistry energy storage with high safety and high theoretical capacity is considered to be a competitive candidate to replace lithium-ion batteries. In electrochemical energy storage, multi-metal oxide cathode materials can generally provide a wider electrochemical stability window and a higher capacity compared with single metal oxides cathode. Here, a new type of cathode material, MnFe₂Co₃O₈ nanodots/functional graphene sheets, is designed and used for aqueous hybrid Zn-based energy storage. Coupling with a hybrid electrolyte based on zinc sulfate and potassium hydroxide, the as-fabricated battery was able to work with a wide electrochemical window of 0.1∼1.8 V, showed a high specific capacity of 660 mAh/g, delivered an ultrahigh energy density of 1135 Wh/kg and a scalable power density of 5754 W/kg (calculated based on the cathode), and displayed a long cycling life of 1000 cycles. These are mainly attributed to the valence charge density distribution in MnFe₂Co₃O₈ nanodots, the good structural strengthening as well as high conductivity of the cathode, and the right electrolyte. Such cathode material also exhibited high electrocatalytic activity for oxygen evolution reaction and thus could be used for constructing a Zn-air battery with an ultrahigh reversible capacity of 9556 mAh/g.     

From K‐O2 to K‐Air Batteries: Realizing Superoxide Batteries on the Basis of Dry Ambient Air

Although using an air cathode is the goal for superoxide‐based potassium‐oxygen (K‐O₂) batteries, prior studies were limited to pure oxygen. Now, the first K‐air (dry) battery based on reversible superoxide electrochemistry is presented. Spectroscopic and gas chromatography analyses are applied to evaluate the reactivity of KO₂ in ambient air. Although KO₂ reacts with water vapor and CO₂ to form KHCO₃, it is highly stable in dry air. With this knowledge, rechargeable K‐air (dry) batteries were successfully demonstrated by employing dry air cathode. The reduced partial pressure of oxygen plays a critical role in boosting battery lifespan. With a more stable environment for the K anode, a K‐air (dry) battery delivers over 100 cycles (>500 h) with low round‐trip overpotentials and high coulombic efficiencies as opposed to traditional K‐O₂ battery that fails early. This work sheds light on the benefits and restrictions of employing the air cathode in superoxide‐based batteries.     

Cascading V2O3/N-doped carbon hybrid nanosheets as high-performance cathode materials for aqueous zinc-ion batteries

In recent years, especially when there is increasing concern about the safety issue of lithium-ion batteries（LIBs）, aqueous Zn-ion batteries（ZIBs） have been getting a lot of attention because of their costeffectiveness, materials abundance, high safety, and ecological friendliness. Their working voltage and specific capacity are mainly determined by their cathode materials. Vanadium oxides are promising cathode materials for aqueous ZIBs owing to their low cost, abundant resources, and multivale...     

Effect of Al2O3 -coating on the electrochemical performances of Li3V2(PO4)3/C cathode material

The effect of Al₂O₃ -coating on Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃/C cathode material for lithium-ion batteries has been investigated. The crystalline structure and morphology of the synthesized powders have been characterized by XRD, SEM, and HRTEM, and their electrochemical performances are evaluated by CV, EIS, and galvanostatic charge/discharge tests. It is found that Al₂O₃ -coating modification stabilizes the structure of the cathode material, decreases the polarization of electrode and suppresses the rise of the surface film resistance. Electrochemical tests indicate that cycling performance and rate capability of Al₂O₃-coated Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃/C are enhanced, especially at high rates. The Al₂O₃-coated material delivers discharge capacity of 123.03 mAh g^?1 at 4 C rate, and the capacity retention of 94.15 % is obtained after 5 cycles. The results indicate that Al₂O₃ -coating should be an effective way to improve the comprehensive properties of the cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries.     

The Development of Vanadyl Phosphate Cathode Materials for Energy Storage Systems: A Review

Various cathode materials have been proposed for high-performance rechargeable batteries. Vanadyl phosphate is an important member of the polyanion cathode family. VOPO₄ has seven known crystal polymorphs with tunneled or layered frameworks, which allow facile cation (de)intercalations. Two-electron transfer per formula unit can be realized by using V^V/V^IV and V^IV/V^III redox couples. The electrochemical performance is closely related to the structures of VOPO₄ and the types of inserted cations. This Review outlines the crystal structures of VOPO₄ polymorphs and their lithiated phases. The research progress of vanadyl phosphate cathode materials for different energy storage systems, including lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, potassium-ion batteries, multivalent batteries, and supercapacitors, as well as the related mechanism investigations are summarized. It is hoped that this Review will help with future directions of using vanadyl phosphate materials for energy storage.     

A novel approach for synthesis of nanocrystalline γ-LiAlO2 from spent lithium-ion batteries

Synthesis of nanocrystallite γ-LiAlO₂ from spent lithium-ion batteries has been investigated. XRD results show that γ-LiAlO₂ phase can be synthesized by thermal treatment of the cathode material over its aluminum sheet at 800–900 °C for 2 h. This is accompanied with the formation of Co₃O₄ and CoO phases as colored powders. SEM investigation revealed the formation of dense grains as coconut-like shape structure of γ-LiAlO₂ phase. Comparatively, reaction of chemical grade Al powder with LiOH in stoichiometric ratio at 800 °C gives γ-LiAlO₂ phase of cotton-like morphology.     

High-temperature combustion synthesis and electrochemical characterization of LiNiO2, LiCoO2 and LiMn2O4 for lithium-ion secondary batteries

Lithium nickelate (Li_0.88Ni_1.12O₂), lithium cobaltate (LiCoO₂) and lithium manganate (LiMn₂O₄) were synthesized by fast self-propagating high-temperature combustion and their phase purity and composition were characterized by X-ray diffraction and inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy. The electrochemical behaviour of these oxides was investigated with regard to potential use as cathode materials in lithium-ion secondary batteries. The cyclic voltammograms of these cathode materials recorded in 1 M LiClO₄ in propylene carbonate at scan rates of 0.1 and 0.01 mV s^–1 showed a single set of redox peaks. Charge-discharge capacities of these materials were calculated from the cyclic voltammograms at different scan rates. The highest discharge capacity was observed in the case of Li_0.88Ni_1.12O₂. In all the cases, at a very slow scan rate (0.01 mV s^–1) the capacity of the charging (oxidation) process was higher than the discharging (reduction) process. A strong influence of current density on the charge-discharge capacity was observed during galvanostatic cycling of Li_0.88Ni_1.12O₂ and LiMn₂O₄ cathode materials. LiMn₂O₄ can be used as cathode material even at higher current densities (1.0 mA cm^–2), whereas in the case of Li_0.88Ni_1.12O₂ a useful capacity was found only at lower current density (0.2 mA cm^–2). For the fast estimation of the cycling behaviour of LiMn₂O₄, a screening method was used employing a simple technique for immobilizing microparticles on an electrode surface. Electronic Publication