Synergistically tailoring Kongming-lock morphology and Li+/Ni2+ intermixing to achieve ultrahigh-volumetric-energy-density layered Li-rich oxide cathodes

Chenxing Yang, Yuefeng Su*, Wen Su, Siyuan Ma, Xinyu Zhu, Shaobo Wu, Yongjian Li, Lai Chen, Duanyun Cao, Meng Wang, Qing Huang, Yibiao Guan, Feng Wu, Ning Li

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The rapid growth of energy storage systems demands higher-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, state-of-the-art polycrystalline (PC) LIB cathodes struggle with low compaction density, limiting their use in volume-constrained applications. While single-crystal (SC) materials such as LiCoO2 suffer from low gravimetric energy density. Inspired by the traditional Chinese puzzle, we propose a lithium-rich manganese-based (LMR) cathode with a Kongming lock (KML)-like morphology that optimally regulates Li⁺/Ni2+ intermixing. Cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirms enhanced compaction density contributed by the micron-sized primary particles. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) then shows Li⁺ diffusion-favorable {010} planes on the secondary particle surfaces, improving Li⁺ transport. As a result, electrochemical testing demonstrates an initial discharge capacity of 253 mAh g-1, with 96.3 % capacity retention after 100 cycles at 0.1C, and an ultra-high volumetric energy density of approximately 3050 Wh L-1, surpassing that of SC-LiCoO2. Synchrotron-based characterizations, combined with wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), density functional theory (DFT), and finite element analysis, confirm the local structural, crystalline, and morphological stability of KML. This study underscores the importance of morphology design in cathode materials and advances the development of high gravimetric and volumetric energy density LMR cathodes for next-generation LIBs.

Original languageEnglish
Article number104019
JournalEnergy Storage Materials
Volume75
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2025

Keywords

  • Layered lithium-rich oxide cathodes
  • Lithium-ion batteries
  • Li⁺/Ni intermixing
  • Ultra-high volumetric energy density
  • “Kongming lock” morphology

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Yang, C., Su, Y., Su, W., Ma, S., Zhu, X., Wu, S., Li, Y., Chen, L., Cao, D., Wang, M., Huang, Q., Guan, Y., Wu, F., & Li, N. (2025). Synergistically tailoring Kongming-lock morphology and Li+/Ni2+ intermixing to achieve ultrahigh-volumetric-energy-density layered Li-rich oxide cathodes. Energy Storage Materials, 75, Article 104019. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensm.2025.104019