Suffolk Reporter

The U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory has unveiled a new design for lithium-ion batteries that promises enhanced performance and reduced costs. This development is anticipated to expedite the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and bolster grid energy storage, supporting global decarbonization initiatives.

Argonne's research team has a history of innovation in battery technology. In 2012, they introduced a novel cathode material that increased energy density and durability by optimizing the composition of nickel, manganese, and cobalt in cathode particles. Khalil Amine, an Argonne Distinguished Fellow, highlighted the significance of this advancement: “This breakthrough material represents an across-the-board improvement for batteries. It features higher storage capacity, robust stability and heat tolerance at high voltages, and longer lifetimes."

The latest design employs a dual-gradient approach where nickel concentration decreases from the particle core to its surface to maximize energy density while minimizing reactivity. The patented design has been licensed to manufacturers, but further improvements are underway.

“For EVs to replace gasoline-powered vehicles on a global scale, batteries must be able to operate at higher voltages,” said Amine. High-voltage operation often causes cathode degradation due to cracking and reactivity with electrolytes. To address this issue, Argonne researchers developed cathode particles with a structure transitioning from disordered material on the surface to ordered material in the core.

The new design demonstrated structural stability during high-voltage operations through extensive testing using X-ray techniques at DOE facilities such as Brookhaven National Laboratory. Tongchao Liu noted the success: “We proved that the disordered particle surface is indestructible.”

After 500 charging cycles, the new material lost only about 2% of its storage capacity. Additionally, it reduces cobalt content—a costly element with environmental extraction concerns—by concentrating it on the particle surface.

“This helps us make batteries much more sustainable,” stated Amine regarding plans to lower cobalt levels further.

This study marks a first in combining composition and structure gradients within a single cathode particle. The innovation could inspire future research into integrating diverse structures and compositions for improved battery performance.

“Our patented design and fabrication process is ready to be licensed by industry,” concluded Amine.

This work was supported by DOE’s Vehicle Technologies Office and involved collaboration with several national laboratories including Brookhaven and Lawrence Berkeley.