Halide-Coated LNMO Cathode for Mn Dissolution and Cycle Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium nickel manganese oxide (LNMO) cathode materials suffer from capacity decay due to Mn3+ inducing disproportionate reactions, leading to manganese dissolution and structural changes, affecting electrochemical performance and stability.

Innovation Solution

A cathode material is developed with a core of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4-δ coated with a lithium-containing ternary halide layer, specifically lithium-indium chloride (Li3InCl6), to prevent direct contact with the electrolyte and maintain ionic conductivity and cycle stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4-δ material is used as cathode material, then discharge rate performance is improved, but structural stability deteriorates due to Mn3+ inducing disproportionate reactions and manganese dissolution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge rate performanceVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A lithium-containing ternary halide coating layer is applied as an intermediary between the LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4-δ cathode material and the electrolyte. This coating layer prevents direct contact between the material and electrolyte, blocking the harmful disproportionate reactions of Mn3+ while maintaining ionic conductivity for Li+ transport, thus resolving the contradiction between improved discharge rate and structural stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cathode material is designed as a composite structure combining LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4-δ core with lithium-containing ternary halide coating. This composite structure leverages the high discharge rate performance of the LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4-δ core while the coating layer provides structural stability protection, achieving both improved discharge rate and enhanced structural stability simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Use of energy by moving object

If LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4-δ material is used, then energy density is enhanced, but capacity decay occurs due to manganese dissolution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidcapacity decay

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lithium-containing ternary halide coating acts as a protective intermediary that prevents manganese dissolution into the electrolyte. By blocking the direct contact interface, it eliminates the source of capacity decay while preserving the high energy density characteristics of the LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4-δ core material

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful Mn3+ ions that cause disproportionate reactions and manganese dissolution are effectively isolated from the electrolyte environment through the coating layer. This extraction of the harmful element from the reaction environment prevents capacity decay while maintaining the energy storage functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4-δ material is used, then electrochemical performance is improved, but direct contact with electrolyte causes structural changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrochemical performanceVSAvoidstructural changes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The lithium-containing ternary halide coating serves as a stable intermediary barrier between the LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4-δ material and the electrolyte. It allows beneficial electrochemical reactions to proceed while blocking harmful structural changes caused by direct electrolyte contact, thus maintaining both electrochemical performance and structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

A thin film coating of lithium-containing ternary halide is applied to the cathode material surface. This thin film is sufficiently permeable to allow Li+ ion transport for electrochemical performance while providing adequate protection against structural changes from electrolyte exposure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 coated cathode material enhances discharge rate performance and improves cycle life by preventing manganese dissolution and structural instability, thus improving the overall performance of lithium batteries.

Implementation Method 1

by coating the LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4-δ material with a halide material layer, it can effectively prevent direct contact between LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4-δ and the electrolyte

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier (coating): Coatings

Implementation Method 2

at the same time maintains good ionic conductivity and excellent cycle stability

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

a sintering step of adding and mixing lithium salt to the precursor and then performing a sintering treatment in an oxygen-deficient environment thereon to obtain a first material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSintering: Sintering

Data Source

PatentUS20250368539A1Cathode material and manufacturing method thereof

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 CPC CORPORATION

AI summary

Disclosed is a cathode material, comprising a core, composed of a first material; and a coating, covering the core and composed of a second material, wherein the first material is represented by: LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4-δ, wherein δ>0, and the second material is Li-containing ternary halide.