Abstract
The demand for high-energy-density batteries is increasing as technology advances to meet the needs of applications like aircraft and electric vehicles (EVs), both of which require fast charging and high energy density. Achieving this involves optimizing electrodes for high voltage and capacity. Lithium Nickel Manganese Oxide (LNMO) is a promising cathode material due to its high voltage (4.7 V), which enhances energy density and provides a more sustainable alternative to traditional materials. However, LNMO faces several challenges, including the Jahn-Teller effect, two-phase reactions, oxygen evolution, and material limitations at high voltage. Additionally, the safety of liquid electrolytes commonly used in lithium-ion batteries raises concerns for next-generation battery technologies. HyLiST project focuses on the development of solid-state batteries to address these challenges. One key hurdle is maintaining polymer stability at high voltages, particularly with ionically conductive binders. To overcome this, the project proposes the use of single-ion conductive polymers, which enhance charging speed, reduce polarization, and support sustainability using water or eco-friendly solvents. This blog delves into the challenges of cathode formulation when transitioning from liquid to solid electrolytes in LNMO-based cathodes.
About the author
Leire Meabe is an Ikerbasque Research Fellow and Senior Researcher at CIC energiGUNE. She earned her Ph.D. in 2019 in Applied Chemistry and Polymeric Materials through a joint program between the University of the Basque Country (POLYMAT) and the Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour, with research stays at Yamagata University in Japan and Deakin University in Australia. Her research expertise focuses on the synthesis and characterization of polymeric materials, specifically polycarbonates and single-ion conducting electrolytes, for next-generation lithium metal and solid-state batteries. Her current work is dedicated to developing advanced polymer electrolytes and engineering stable solid-electrolyte interfaces to enhance the safety and performance of high-energy storage systems. By leveraging polymer chemistry and electrochemistry, her goal is to drive the transition toward more sustainable and efficient energy technologies for the automotive and energy sectors.