High-Capacity DRX Cathode Materials for Lithium Ion Batteries

Technology 

The DRX technology comprises lithium-excess metal oxide cathodes with the composition LixMyO2 and a disordered rocksalt structure for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The enablement of cathodes with the rocksalt structure enables the use of inexpensive metals.  Resulting cathode materials have high energy density, good long-term stability, and increased charge/discharge rate capability. Unlike traditional materials that demand precise cation ordering to prevent capacity degradation, this material is insensitive to cation-disorder, thereby not requiring the use of nickel and/or cobalt.  

Problem Addressed 

Conventional high energy cathode materials in rechargeable lithium batteries have a layered structure which requires nickel and/or cobalt to remain stable over long cycling.   This technology significantly broadens the composition space from which cathodes can be selected by utilizing a material that can accommodate cation mixing without compromising performance, thereby addressing cost and resource problems with conventional lithium-ion cathodes. 

Advantages

• High reversible capacity, improving the energy density of lithium secondary batteries
• Insensitivity to cation-disorder, enabling the use of less expensive transition metals, such as manganese, titanium, vanadium, iron, chromium, molybdenum, niobium, etc.
• Use of stable cathodes in the charged state, increasing safety of lithium-ion batteries
• Use of less resource-constrained metals in the Li-ion battery industry