Vehicle battery cell
A high-entropy single-crystal structured cathode with gradient doping and coating addresses structural instability in lithium-ion batteries, enhancing cycling stability and thermal safety.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-25
AI Technical Summary
Conventional cathode materials in lithium-ion batteries suffer from structural and chemical instability during charge and discharge cycles, leading to reduced capacity, lower efficiency, and shorter lifespan, particularly in high-nickel compositions.
A high-entropy single-crystal structured cathode material with a gradient dopant concentration and optional surface coating is developed, featuring a high-entropy (HE) single-crystal structure material with dopants concentrated radially from the center to the surface, and a protective coating to enhance structural stability and electrochemical performance.
The solution provides improved cycling stability, thermal stability, and enhanced safety by stabilizing the cathode structure, minimizing energy losses, and optimizing electron transport.
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Abstract
Description
The present description relates to a battery cell and in particular to a doped cathode located inside the battery cell. Electric and hybrid electric vehicle technology is enabled by the development and use of rechargeable secondary batteries that supply energy to the vehicle's powertrain. Secondary batteries are lithium-ion batteries, which generally include a cathode, an anode, a separator, and an electrolyte. The cathode provides a source of lithium ions and determines the battery's capacity and average voltage. The anode stores and releases lithium ions received from the cathode when energy is needed. The separator prevents the cathode and anode from touching and short-circuiting the battery, and the electrolyte provides a medium between the cathode and anode through which the lithium ions move. The energy density of the secondary battery can be increased by adding more active cathode and anode material and thus increasing the density of both. Cathode electrodes and anode electrodes are formed by coating current collectors with active cathode material and active anode material, respectively. These coatings often contain active materials, a binder, additives, and / or a solvent. At least in the case of cathodes, the active materials applied to the current collectors are responsible for the electrochemical reactions that store and release energy during battery operation. CN 117 810 400 A describes a surface-modified, high-entropy lithium-ion battery positive electrode material, wherein the high-entropy coated positive electrode material has a multi-stage core-shell structure and the high-entropy coating system comprises a positive electrode material body, a near-surface flat gradient doping layer near the surface of the positive electrode material body, an inner core coating layer near the surface of the positive electrode material body, and an outermost coating layer, with three barrier layers formed outside the positive electrode material body. EP 4 411 890 A1 describes a nickel-rich layered oxide material, a manufacturing process and its use, wherein the nickel-rich layered oxide material has a crystal structure with the hexagonal space group R3m and a lattice microdistortion of ≤ 0.25%. It can be considered a task to specify new and improved cathode chemistries that offer improved structural and chemical stability, efficient electronic and ionic conductivities, and better cycleability. The problem is solved by a vehicle battery cell according to claim 1. Furthermore, a battery which can have the vehicle battery cell according to the invention is described, and a cathode which can be integrated into the vehicle battery cell according to the invention is described. A vehicle battery cell according to the invention is described. The vehicle battery cell comprises a cathode current collector and a cathode arranged on a surface of the cathode current collector. The cathode comprises a high-entropy (HE) single-crystal structure material without cavities or cracks and at least one dopant arranged within each single-crystal particle of the material. The material comprises at least one of nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM), nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA), nickel-manganese (NMx), or nickel-cobalt-manganese-aluminum (NCMA), and the particle size of the high-entropy (HE) single-crystal structure material is greater than 1 micrometer (µm). The concentration of the at least one dopant increases radially from the center to the surface, and the concentration of the material decreases radially from the center to the surface. A minimum concentration of the at least one dopant at the center is more than 1 wt.%. In one embodiment, the material comprises transition metals comprising at least one of manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), titanium (Ti), zirconium (Zr), molybdenum (Mo) or niobium (Nb). In one embodiment, the material comprises transition metals that have a nickel content in all transition metals between 0.5 and 0.95. In one embodiment, the material has a formula LiNi0,8Mn0,08Co0,05Ti0,02Mg0,02Nb0,01Mo0,02Zr0,05O2. In one embodiment, the at least one doping element comprises at least one of aluminium (Al), magnesium (Mg), titanium (Ti), zirconium (Zr), molybdenum (Mo) or niobium (Nb). In one embodiment, the maximum concentration of the at least one dopant element on or at the surface is less than 10 wt.%. In one embodiment, a coating is arranged on the surface of each single-crystal particle of the material. In one embodiment, the coating is a single layer. In one embodiment, the coating comprises at least two layers. In one embodiment, the coating is continuous and completely covers the surface. In one embodiment, the coating is discontinuous and covers only part of the surface. In one embodiment, the coating comprises an island-like configuration. In one embodiment, the coating has a thickness between 10 nanometers (nm) and 1 micrometer (µm). In one embodiment, the coating is a composite coating comprising at least one of aluminium oxide (Al2O3), zirconium dioxide (ZrO2), magnesium oxide (MgO), lithium aluminium titanium phosphate (LATP) or lithium niobate (LiNbO2). A battery for an electric vehicle is described. The battery comprises a battery cell, which further includes a cathode current collector, a cathode arranged on a surface of the cathode current collector, an anode arranged on an anode current collector, a separator positioned between the cathode and the anode, and an electrolyte configured to transport ions between the cathode and the anode. The cathode comprises a high-entropy (HE) single-crystal structure material without cavities or cracks and at least one dopant arranged within each single-crystal particle of the material. The material comprises at least one of nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM), nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA), nickel-manganese (NMx), or nickel-cobalt-manganese-aluminum (NCMA), and the particle size of the high-entropy (HE) single-crystal structure material is greater than 1 micrometer (µm).The concentration of the at least one dopant element increases radially from the center to the surface, and the concentration of the material decreases radially from the center to the surface. The material has a formula LiNi0,8Mn0,08Co0,05Ti0,02Mg0,02Nb0,01Mo0,02Zr0,05O2. The at least one dopant element comprises at least one of aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), titanium (Ti), zirconium (Zr), molybdenum (Mo) or niobium (Nb). It is a coating arranged on the surface of each single-crystal particle of the material. A cathode for a vehicle battery cell is described. The cathode comprises a cathode current collector and a cathode arranged on a surface of the cathode current collector. The cathode comprises a high-entropy (HE) single-crystal structure material without cavities or cracks, at least one dopant arranged within each single-crystal particle of the material, and a coating arranged on the surface of each single-crystal particle of the material having a thickness between 20 nanometers (nm) and 50 nanometers (nm). The material comprises at least one of nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM), nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA), nickel-manganese (NMx), or nickel-cobalt-manganese-aluminum (NCMA). A particle size of the high-entropy (HE) single-crystal structure material is greater than 1 micrometer (µm).The at least one dopant element comprises at least one of aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), titanium (Ti), zirconium (Zr), molybdenum (Mo), or niobium (Nb). The concentration of the at least one dopant element increases radially from the center to the surface, and the concentration of the material decreases radially from the center to the surface. The present description will be better understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a vehicle with an electric motor driven by a battery pack with a high-entropy cathode. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery cell in the battery pack of the vehicle shown in Fig. 1, the battery cell comprising a high-entropy cathode. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a high-entropy single crystal of the cathode for the battery cell shown in Fig. 2, the single crystal having a gradient element distribution. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a high-entropy single crystal of the cathode for the battery cell shown in Fig. 2, the single crystal having a single-layer continuous coating.Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a high-entropy single crystal of the cathode for the battery cell shown in Figure 2, wherein the single crystal has a multilayer continuous coating. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a high-entropy single crystal of the cathode for the battery cell shown in Figure 2, wherein the single crystal has a discontinuous coating. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a high-entropy single crystal of the cathode for the battery cell shown in Figure 2, wherein the single crystal has a single-layer island-like coating. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a high-entropy single crystal of the cathode for the battery cell shown in Figure 2, wherein the single crystal has a multilayer island-like coating. This paper describes a high-entropy (HE) single-crystal structured cathode active material based on nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) / nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCA) with a gradient element distribution. A major challenge is the structural and chemical stability of cathode active materials during repeated charge and discharge cycles. Cathode degradation leads to reduced capacity, lower efficiency, and a shorter battery lifespan. A cathode must be optimized to ensure efficient electron transport and minimize energy losses. High-entropy NCM / NCA materials show promise for cathode applications due to improved cycling stability and good thermal stability. However, doping materials are expensive, and single-crystal high-entropy materials are difficult to synthesize. High-nickel NCM / NCA materials suffer from structural instability. During cycling, a layered NCM / NCA structure can become distorted, leading to capacity loss. At elevated temperatures, the layered structure decomposes, releasing oxygen, which can further cause thermal runaway. The single-crystal cathode material described here, featuring a high-entropy component combined with gradient doping, overcomes these challenges. With reference to Fig. 1, a perspective view of a vehicle 10 with a battery pack 12 according to the present description is shown. The battery pack 12 is shown with an exemplary vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 is an electric or hybrid vehicle with wheels 14, which are driven by at least one electric motor / inverter 16. The electric motors / inverters 16 receive power from the battery pack 12. Although the vehicle 10 is shown as a passenger car, it is understood that the battery pack 12 can be used with various other types of vehicles. For example, the battery pack 12 can be used in watercraft, such as boats, or aircraft, such as drones or passenger aircraft. In addition, the battery pack 12 can be used as a stationary power source that is separate from and independent of a vehicle.The battery pack 12 includes a housing 18 for transporting and carrying a large number of battery cells 20. In one example, the battery pack 12 can contain fifty or more battery cells 20. As used herein, the term "vehicle" is not limited to motor vehicles. While the technology presented here is primarily described in connection with electric and hybrid electric vehicles, it is not limited to these. The concepts can be used in a wide variety of applications, such as in conjunction with components used in motorcycles, mopeds, locomotives, aircraft, watercraft, and other vehicles, as well as in other applications that utilize batteries, such as portable power plants, like those used to power remote construction sites, emergency power supplies, and permanent power plants connected to buildings and equipment, all of which may be powered by, for example, solar- or wind-powered generator systems, power grids, and fuel-based power generators.They can be powered by gasoline, propane, kerosene or diesel generators as well as Sterling engines. Fig. 2 shows a battery cell 20 within the battery pack 12 shown in Fig. 1. It is understood that the battery pack 12 and the battery cells 20 are rechargeable batteries that can be discharged when a load is applied and recharged when an external power source is applied. The battery cells 20 can be, for example, pouch-shaped or prismatic cells. Alternatively, the battery cells 20 can be cylindrical cells. Each battery cell 20, arranged within the battery pack 12 shown in Fig. 1, has at least one electrode stack 22, which further comprises a cathode 24, an anode 26, an electrolyte 28, and / or a separator 30. Each battery cell 20 can have ten or one hundred electrode stacks 22. Each electrode stack 22 is connected to a cathode current collector 32 and an anode current collector 34. The electrode stacks are placed in the housing 18, which is filled with the electrolyte 28. The electrolyte 28 transports ions between the cathode 24 and the anode 26. The cathode current collector 32 and the anode current collector 34 are thin metal plates or foils arranged on sides of the electrode stacks 22 and / or the housing 18, and typically have a thickness between 0.1 and 1 millimeter.The cathode current collector 32 and the anode current collector 34 can be made of copper or aluminium and are attached to the electrode stacks 22 to transfer the electric current to an external circuit (not shown). During discharge, when a load is applied to the battery cells 20, Li+ ions move from the anode 26 to the cathode 24 through the separator 30 via the electrolyte 28. Equivalent electrons e- move through the battery circuit from the cathode 24 to the anode 26, thereby supplying energy to a battery load. During charging, when an external voltage is applied, Li+ ions move from the cathode 24 to the anode 26 via the electrolyte 28 through the separator 30 and can be stored in the anode 26. Each battery cell 20, such as the one shown in Fig. 2, generally comprises a cathode current collector 32, a cathode 24 arranged on the cathode current collector 32, an anode current collector 34, an anode 26 arranged on the anode current collector 34, a separator 30 positioned between the cathode 24 and the anode 26, and an electrolyte 28. While the illustrated battery cells 20 include one anode 26 (and one anode current collector 34) and one cathode (and one cathode current collector 32), the battery cell 20 can alternatively include two or more cathodes 24 (and cathode current collectors 32) and one or more anodes 26 (and anode current collectors 34). In further alternative embodiments, the battery cell 20 can include one or more cathodes 24 (and cathode current collectors 32) and two or more anodes 26 (and anode current collectors 34).In each of the above constructions, one or more separators 30 are nested between the cathodes 24 and the anodes 26 to prevent the cathodes 24 and the anodes 26 from touching. In the various types of battery cells 20 mentioned above, the cathode current collector 32 and the anode current collector 34 are formed from conductive materials. In some embodiments, the cathode current collector 32 comprises aluminum. Alternatively or additionally, the cathode current collector 32 can comprise copper-clad aluminum, stainless steel, and / or other suitable materials. The anode current collector 34 can comprise one or more of copper, nickel, stainless steel, and titanium. The cathode current collector 32 and the anode current collector 34 are shown in the form of a foil; however, it is understood that other forms, such as a mesh or a composite material, can be shown. The cathode current collector 32 can have a thickness in the range of 5 micrometers to 50 micrometers, including all values and ranges therein, such as in the range of 5 micrometers to 25 micrometers.The anode current collector 34 has a thickness in the range of 4 micrometers to 50 micrometers, including all values and ranges therein, such as in the range of 4 micrometers to 25 micrometers or a specific example of 13 micrometers. The cathode 24 incorporates an active cathode material configured to provide a source of lithium ions (Li+) and to undergo reversible insertion or intercalation of lithium ions, which, for example, determines the capacity and average voltage of a battery. The active cathode material comprises a high-entropy (HE) single-crystal structure material without cavities or cracks. A high-entropy (HE) single-crystal structure material can, for example, be an alloy or a material formed by mixing five or more elements in approximately equal proportions, resulting in high configurational entropy that stabilizes the material structure. A high-entropy (HE) single-crystal structure material is configured to exhibit exceptional strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion and oxidation. The active cathode material comprises at least one of nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM), nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA), nickel-manganese (NMx), or nickel-cobalt-manganese-aluminum (NCMA). In one example, the active cathode material has the formula LiNi0.8Mn0.08Co0.05Ti0.02Mg0.02Nb0.01Mo0.02Zr0.05O2. In another example, the active cathode material and the high-entropy (HE) single-crystal structure material are larger than 1 micrometer (µm) (e.g., an average diameter, an average thickness). It is understood that the active cathode material and the high-entropy (HE) single-crystal structure material may have other configurations, sizes, and / or shapes. Additionally, the cathode 24 and the active cathode material can contain one or more transition metals. For example, the transition metals can include at least one of manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), titanium (Ti), zirconium (Zr), molybdenum (Mo), or niobium (Nb). In one example, the active cathode material contains transition metals, with the proportion of nickel in all transition metals ranging from 0.5 to 0.95 mol% (e.g., between 50 mol% and 95 mol%). The cathode 24 includes at least one dopant 36 arranged on or within a surface 38 of each single-crystal particle 40 of the cathode 24 and the active cathode material, as shown in Fig. 3. The dopant elements are introduced into the active cathode material to enhance its performance. For example, transition metals can be used as dopant elements to improve the structural stability and electrochemical performance of the cathode 24. Doping with lithium can help stabilize the crystal structure and improve the overall capacity of the battery cell 20. Magnesium doping can be used to improve the ionic conductivity and structural integrity of the cathode 24, and niobium doping can improve the rate capability and cycling stability of the cathode 24. As shown in Fig. 3, the dopant concentration is a gradient concentration and increases radially from a center 42 to the surface 38 of each single-crystal particle of the active cathode material and the cathode 24. In this case, the dopant concentration of the active cathode material increases radially from the center 42 to the surface 38. In one example, the maximum concentration of the dopant elements on or at the surface 38 is less than 10 wt%. In another example, the minimum concentration of the dopant elements at the center 42 is more than 1 wt%. Fig. 4 shows a coating 44 applied to the surface 38 of each single-crystal particle 40 of the active cathode material. The coating 44 can be used to protect the active cathode material from corrosion and can improve the performance of the cathode 24. The coating 44 can also serve to increase the energy density and / or reduce the battery size and weight. The coating 44 can be a composite coating comprising at least one of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂), magnesium oxide (MgO), lithium aluminum titanium phosphate (LATP), or lithium niobate (LiNbO₂). It is understood that the coating 44 may include other suitable materials that prevent corrosion and / or improve battery performance. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the coating 44 extends continuously over the entire surface of each single-crystal particle 40 of the active cathode material.A continuous coating 44 can have a thickness ranging from 10 nanometers (nm) to 1 micrometer (µm). In one example, the thickness of the coating 44 is between 20 nm and 50 nm. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the coating 44 comprises a multilayer (e.g., two-layer) configuration on the surface 38 of each single-crystal particle 40 of the active cathode material. In this embodiment, a first coating 46 continuously covers or extends over the entire surface of each single-crystal particle 40 of the active cathode material. Additionally, a second coating 48 continuously covers or extends over the entire surface of the first coating 46. The first coating 46 and the second coating 48 serve to prevent corrosion and / or improve the performance of the cathode 24 and the vehicle battery cell 20. Fig. 6 shows an example of the coating 44, where the coating 44 is discontinuous over the surface of the single-crystal particle 40 of the active cathode material. In this example, the discontinuous coating 44 facilitates the exposure of part of the surface to an electrolyte within the vehicle battery cell 20, while a portion of the surface 38 is protected from exposure to the electrolyte. A discontinuous coating 44 can have a thickness in the range of 10 nanometers (nm) to 1 micrometer (µm). In one example, the thickness of the coating 44 is between 20 nm and 50 nm. Additionally, the discontinuous coating 44 can cover between 50% and 90% of the surface 38. In another example, the discontinuous coating 44 covers between 50% and 70% of the surface 38. Fig. 7 shows an example of a discontinuous coating 44 in an island-like configuration. In this configuration, the coating 44 can be distributed in parts or islands over the surface 38 of the single-crystal particle 40. Each part or island of the coating 44 can be spherical or partially spherical. The islands shown in Fig. 7 are formed from a single material. Fig. 8 shows an example of a discontinuous coating 44 in an island-like configuration. In this configuration, the coating 44 comprises a first material 50 and a second material 52, which can be distributed in parts or islands over the surface 38 of the single-crystal particle 40. Each part or island of the coating 44 can be spherical or partially spherical. While the islands shown in Fig. 7 are formed from two materials, it is understood that the islands can be formed from more than two materials (e.g., three materials, four materials, etc.). Referring again to Fig. 2, the anode 26 comprises materials that undergo reversible insertion or intercalation of lithium ions at a lower electrochemical potential than the material of the cathode 24, such that an electrochemical potential difference exists between the anode 26 and the cathode 24. The anode 26 can comprise one or more of the following: lithium metal; lithium alloys, for example, lithium-silicon alloy, lithium-aluminum alloy, lithium-indium alloy, lithium titanate, and lithium-tin alloy; carbon-based materials, for example, graphite, activated carbon, carbon black, and graphene; silicon; silicon-based alloys; silicon oxide; silicon-based composite materials; tin oxide; aluminum; indium; zinc; germanium; and titanium oxide; as well as any combination thereof.In embodiments, the anode 26 can have a thickness in the range of 50 micrometers to 150 micrometers, including all values and ranges therein. A combination of anode 26 and anode current collector 34 provides an anode electrode. As shown in Fig. 2, the separator 30 is a porous material formed from an electrically insulating material that prevents the cathode 24 and the anode 26 from touching the battery circuit and potentially short-circuiting it. The separator 30 is arranged, or at least partially arranged, between the cathode 24 and the anode 26, allowing the passage of lithium ions and the electrolyte 28 through the pores of the separator 30. The separator 30 can comprise one or more of a composite material, a polymer material, or a nonwoven material. In embodiments, the separator 30 comprises at least one of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, and polyvinyl chloride. Additionally, the separator 30 can be filled, i.e., contain fillers dispersed therein, the filler being a material such as glass fiber.In additional or alternative embodiments, the separator 30 can comprise at least one thermally stable, porous polymer coating and one ceramic coating, such as an aluminum oxide coating. The coating is arranged on one or more surfaces of a porous polymer film, the polymer film being selected from at least one of polyethylene and polypropylene. The separator 30 can comprise one or more layers, each layer being formed from one or more of the aforementioned materials. The separator 30 can take the form of a film or a mesh, such as a woven mesh or a slotted film. In embodiments, the separator 30 has a thickness in the range of 4 micrometers to 25 micrometers, including all values and ranges therein. With further reference to Fig. 2, the electrolyte 28 provides a medium between the cathode 24 and the anode 26 through which lithium ions move. The medium can be a liquid, a gel, or a solid and is capable of conducting the lithium ions between the cathode 24 and the anode 26. The electrolyte 28 penetrates the pores of the porous separator 30 and wets or otherwise contacts the surfaces of the cathode 24 and the anode 26, as well as the separator 30. In embodiments, the electrolyte 28 comprises one or more lithium salts dissolved in a non-aqueous organic solvent.Some examples of lithium salts may be one or more of lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6), lithium perchlorate (LiClO4), lithium tetrachloroaluminate (LiAlCl4), lithium iodide (LiI), lithium bromide (LiBr), lithium thiocyanate (LiSCN), lithium tetrafluoroborate (LiBF4), lithium tetraphenylborate (LiB(C6H5)4), lithium bis(oxalato)borate (LiB(C2O4)2) (LiBOB), lithium difluorooxalatoborate (LiBF2(C2O4)), lithium hexafluoroarsenate (LiAsF6), lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate (LiCF3SO3), lithium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonylimide (LiN(CF3SO2)2), lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiN(FSO2)2) (LiSFI), lithium (triethylene glycol dimethyl ether)bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (Li(G3)(TFSI) and / or Lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) azide (LiTFSA) is included. The lithium salt can be present in electrolyte 28 at a concentration (moles (M) of salt per liter of solvent) in the range of 1 M to 4 M, including all values and ranges within it, for example 2 M or 3 M. The non-aqueous aprotic organic solvent contains one or more of different alkyl carbonates, for example, cyclic carbonates (e.g., ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), butylene carbonate (BC), fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC)), linear carbonates (e.g., dimethyl carbonate (DMC), diethyl carbonate (DEC), ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC)), aliphatic carboxylic acid esters (e.g., methyl formate, methyl acetate, methyl propionate), γ-lactones (e.g., γ-butyrolactone, γ-valerolactone), chain structure ethers (e.g., 1,2-dimethoxyethane, 1,2-diethoxyethane, ethoxymethoxyethane) and / or cyclic ethers (e.g., tetrahydrofuran, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, 1,3-dioxolane). Cathode 24 and its active cathode material, featuring a single-crystal structure and a high-entropy component combined with gradient doping, overcome the challenges of conventional cathodes. The high-entropy structure facilitates the stabilization of the high-nickel NCM / NCA structure. Additionally, the dopants are concentrated on the surface and reduced near the center of each single-crystal structure, thus using the minimum amount of dopants and providing improved cycle life and enhanced safety properties. Furthermore, the high-entropy structure exists internally and protects the single-crystal structure, even if cracking occurs during cycling.
Claims
Vehicle battery cell (20) comprising: a cathode current collector (32); and a cathode (24) arranged on a surface of the cathode current collector (32), wherein the cathode (24) comprises a high-entropy (HE) single-crystal structure material without cavities or cracks, wherein the material comprises at least one of nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM), nickel-cobalt-aluminium (NCA), nickel-manganese (NMx) or nickel-cobalt-manganese-aluminium (NCMA), and wherein a particle size of the high-entropy (HE) single-crystal structure material is greater than 1 micrometer (µm);and at least one dopant element (36) arranged within each single-crystal particle (40) of the material, wherein the concentration of the at least one dopant element (36) increases radially from a center (42) to the surface (38), wherein the concentration of the material decreases radially from the center (42) to the surface (38), and wherein a minimum concentration of the at least one dopant element (36) in the center (42) is more than 1 wt.%. Vehicle battery cell (20) according to claim 1, wherein the material comprises transition metals comprising at least one of manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), aluminium (Al), magnesium (Mg), titanium (Ti), zirconium (Zr), molybdenum (Mo) or niobium (Nb). Vehicle battery cell (20) according to claim 1, wherein the material comprises transition metals having a proportion of nickel in all transition metals between 0.5 and 0.
95. Vehicle battery cell (20) according to claim 1, wherein the material has a formula LiNi0.8Mn0.08Co0.05Ti0.02Mg0.02Nb0.01Mo0.02Zr0.05O2. Vehicle battery cell (20) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one doping element (36) comprises at least one of aluminium (Al), magnesium (Mg), titanium (Ti), zirconium (Zr), molybdenum (Mo) or niobium (Nb). Vehicle battery cell (20) according to claim 1, wherein a maximum concentration of the at least one doping element (36) on or at the surface (38) is less than 10 wt.%. Vehicle battery cell (20) according to claim 1, further comprising: a coating (44) arranged on the surface (38) of each single crystal particle (40) of the material. Vehicle battery cell (20) according to claim 7, wherein the coating (44) is a single layer. Vehicle battery cell (20) according to claim 7, wherein the coating (44) comprises at least two layers (46, 48).