High-Nickel Cathode Precursor for Stable Layered Battery Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-nickel-based lithium oxide cathode active materials in secondary batteries suffer from structural instability and side reactions with the electrolyte, leading to degraded lifespan and operational stability, particularly in high-temperature conditions.

Innovation Solution

A cathode active material precursor with a specific XRD peak intensity ratio and interlayer distance ratio is developed, comprising a nickel composite hydroxide or oxide, stabilized through controlled synthesis and heat treatment, to maintain a layered structure and prevent structural defects during lithium ion insertion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If high-nickel-based lithium oxide is used as cathode active material to obtain high capacity, then battery capacity is improved, but structural stability and chemical stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery capacityVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a nickel composite hydroxide precursor containing multiple metal elements (Ni, Co, Mn, and other transition metals) to form a composite cathode active material. This composite structure combines the high capacity benefits of high-nickel content with the structural stability provided by other metal elements, resolving the contradiction between capacity and structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes specific parameters including the nickel content (0.8 ≤ x < 0.95 in the formula Li1-yNixCoyMn1-x-yO2), the interlayer distance ratio (c/a ≥ 0.33), and the R-3m space group crystal structure. These parameter changes enable the material to achieve both high capacity and improved structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If high-nickel-based lithium oxide is used to increase capacity, then battery capacity is improved, but operational stability and lifespan deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery capacityVSAvoidoperational stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The composite cathode active material Li1-yNixCoyMn1-x-yO2 with optimized metal composition ratios provides both high capacity and improved operational stability. The synergistic effect of multiple metal elements reduces side reactions with electrolyte and maintains structural integrity during charge-discharge cycles, thereby improving reliability and lifespan.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the interlayer distance ratio (c/a ≥ 0.33) and nickel content parameters to achieve a balance between capacity and operational stability. The R-3m space group crystal structure with optimized parameters ensures stable lithium ion insertion/extraction, improving operational stability while maintaining high capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If high-nickel-based lithium oxide is used under high-temperature conditions, then high capacity is achieved, but side reactions with electrolyte increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery capacityVSAvoidside reactions with electrolyte

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The composite cathode active material with optimized metal composition (Ni: 0.8 ≤ x < 0.95, Co: 0.05 < y ≤ 0.15, Mn: 1-x-y) provides high capacity while the presence of Co and Mn elements along with other transition metals suppresses side reactions with electrolyte, especially under high-temperature conditions. The composite structure enhances chemical stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the nickel content parameter (0.8 ≤ x < 0.95) and the interlayer distance ratio (c/a ≥ 0.33) to reduce surface reactivity with electrolyte. The optimized R-3m space group crystal structure with these parameters minimizes harmful side reactions while maintaining high capacity, particularly under high-temperature operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The precursor ensures improved structural and chemical stability of the cathode active material, enhancing the lithium secondary battery's capacity and lifespan by preventing side reactions and maintaining a stable crystal structure under high-temperature conditions.

Implementation Method 1

maintaining a stable transition metal-oxygen layered structure during lithium ion insertion and extraction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLayered structure stability:

Implementation Method 2

I(101) and I(100) are peak intensities or maximum peak heights of (101), (001) and (100) planes, respectively, by an X-ray diffraction analysis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray diffraction: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS12620588B2Cathode active material precursor for lithium secondary battery, cathode active material for lithium secondary battery and lithium secondary battery

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 SK ON CO LTD

AI summary

A cathode active material precursor for a lithium secondary battery has a structure of a nickel composite hydroxide. A first peak intensity ratio represented by Equation 1 is 0.5 or more, and a second peak intensity ratio represented by Equation 2 is 0.7 or more. A cathode active material and a lithium secondary battery having a stabilized crystal structure are provided using the cathode active material precursor.