Microstructural architechtured NMC core/shell cathode powder

High-nickel layered cathode materials have gained significant attention due to their potential for high capacity, low production costs, and reasonable rate capability. However, increasing Ni content can involve rapid capacity fading, short cycle life, and poor thermal and structural stability. In order to overcome these issues, German Aerospace Center (DLR), as a part of PHOENIX consortium, is aimed to develop NMC cathode materials with controlled Ni-rich core (NMC90) / Mn-rich shell (NMC622) structured morphology by cost-efficient and easy process-controlled oxalate-assisted co-precipitation method. In this case, high Ni content ensures high specific capacity, while Mn-rich shell provides the improved structural and thermal stability. In addition, thin layer of WO3 is introduced on the NMC90 core surface in order to maintain the core/shell structure of particles and to provide compositional dignity of high Ni-content NMC90 cathode.

MOF-integrated separator to improve lithium ion batteries life cycle

Gas evoluation due to electrolyte decomposition and undesirable chemical reactions of electrode materials is one of the major issues in present high-performance rechargeable lithium ion batteries. Therfore, development of cost efficient advanced porous multifunctional materials for gas scavenging is one of the most important researchs of battery chemistry to solve the gas evoluation related serious issues such as rapid self-discharge, poor cycle stability and low coulombic efficiency.

In PHOENIX project, with the purpose of scavenge of the evoluted gases (H2, O2, CO and RH), the aim is to design and develop various metal organic frameworks (MOFs) e.g. Zr-MOF, Ni-MOF, Fe-MOF integrated separators to be integrated in LIBs to minimise the possibility of electrode degradation during long cycles and improve the battery life cycle . Generally, MOFs are considered promising materials for gas absorption and storage in LIB due to their highly ordered pore structure and tunable size. As one of the partners of PHOENIX project, German Aerospace Center is involved in the development of cation-selective, thermal triggered activated separator of MOF on porous membrane (polypropylene, polyolefin, glassfiber etc.) to enhance Li-ions transport, absorption and storage of aforesaid gases and improve lithium ion batteries life cycle.