Advanced Cathode Materials

There is a need for new lower-cost, more stable cathode materials to replace LiCoO₂. Argonne has invented a new class of electrode structures in which a layered component such as Li₂MnO₃ is intergrown with either another layered component (e.g., LiMn_0.5Ni_0.5O₂ or LiMn_0.33Ni_0.33Co_0.33O₂ ), or with a spinel component, e.g., Li₄Mn₅O₁₂). These manganese-rich composite electrode structures are electrochemically activated by charging to a potential >4.6 V in a lithium cell. They can deliver almost twice the practical capacity of LiCoO₂ and they are more stable in non-aqueous electrolytes at elevated temperatures. The data bode well for the development of the next generation of high-energy high-power lithium-ion batteries.

Patent applications have been filed and some patents have issued.

For More Information

• Argonne Awarded Lithium Battery Technology Patents: Composite-structure is promising battery electrode for consumer electronics and electric vehicles
• Feature Article. Journal of Materials Chemistry. "Advances in manganese-oxide 'composite' electrodes for lithium-ion batteries," Michael M. Thackeray, Christopher S. Johnson, John T. Vaughey, N. Li and Stephen A. Hackney. J. Mater. Chem. 2005.15(23).2257 Link to Article

Contact Michael Thackeray (630-252-9184, thackeray@cmt.anl.gov).