Work

Surface titanium enrichment engineering improves the structural stability and cycle life of Ni-rich Co-free cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Increasing nickel content and eliminating cobalt are important development directions for layered cathode materials, as they can enhance energy density and reduce costs. However, cobalt plays a crucial role in improving the structural stability of materials during lithiation/de-lithiation, and higher nickel content also reduces the structural stability. This study employs a facile surface titanium enrichment process to mitigate the negative effects brought by high nickel content and cobalt removal. In situ XRD characterization reveals that surface titanium enrichment reduces the extent of structural changes during lithiation/de-lithiation while increasing the reversibility of phase transitions. As a result, the cycling stability of the modified material is improved, with its capacity retention after 300 cycles at 2 C increasing from 66.2% to 77.4%. Furthermore, the rate capability of the modified material is also enhanced, delivering a capacity of 150.6 mAh g -1 at 5 C. This strategy provides a feasible technical reference for the practical application of nickel-rich, cobalt-free cathode materials.

Source: Future Batteries

DOI: 10.1016/j.fub.2026.100179

Authors: Yanyi Liu, Yange Yu, Qinglin Gao, Shunhua Xiao, Yanwei Li, Bin Huang

Institutions: Guilin University of Technology, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Electrochemical and Magnetochemical Functional Materials

Language: English

Topic: Advancements in Battery Materials

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,950