Lithium-Ion Battery Materials
Field
Electrochemistry, Energy Storage
Market Size
$56B (2024)
Growth Rate
18.1% CAGR
Key Materials
NMC, LFP, Silicon, Graphite
Capstone Papers
2,470 (250+ citations)
Lithium-ion battery materials research focuses on developing electrode materials, electrolytes, and separators that improve energy density, cycle life, safety, and cost of rechargeable batteries. The field is critical for electric vehicles, grid storage, and portable electronics.
This research survey covers highly-cited papers (250+ citations) from 2018-2024 across cathode materials, anode materials, electrolytes, and emerging solid-state technologies.
300+ Wh/kg
State-of-art Energy Density
1,000+
Cycle Life (NMC811)
Cathode materials
Cathode materials determine battery energy density and account for 30-40% of cell cost. Research focuses on high-nickel layered oxides, phosphate-based materials, and novel high-voltage chemistries:
- NMC (Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt): NMC811 achieves 200+ mAh/g capacity. Research addresses surface degradation and thermal stability through coatings and dopants.
- LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate): Lower energy density but superior safety and cycle life. CATL's cell-to-pack designs close the gap with NMC.
- High-voltage spinel: LNMO (LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4) operates at 4.7V but requires electrolyte development.
- Cobalt-free cathodes: NMA and lithium-rich layered oxides reduce cost and supply chain risk.
Anode materials
Silicon and lithium metal anodes promise 3-10x capacity over graphite but face volume expansion and dendrite challenges:
- Silicon-graphite composites: 5-20% silicon blends achieve 450-600 mAh/g vs. 372 mAh/g for pure graphite. Focus on binder and electrolyte optimization.
- Silicon nanowires/nanoparticles: Nanostructuring accommodates 300% volume change during cycling.
- Lithium metal anodes: 3,860 mAh/g theoretical capacity. Solid electrolytes and 3D current collectors suppress dendrites.
- Hard carbon: Sodium-ion battery anode with good cycle life from biomass precursors.
Electrolytes
Electrolyte innovation enables high-voltage cathodes, fast charging, and improved safety:
- High-concentration electrolytes: 4M+ LiFSI suppresses dendrites and enables 4.5V+ operation.
- Localized high-concentration electrolytes (LHCE): Combine benefits of high concentration with low viscosity using diluents.
- Fluorinated solvents: Improve oxidation stability for high-voltage cathodes and form stable SEI.
- Additives: FEC, VC, and DTD form protective electrode interfaces.
Solid-state batteries
Solid electrolytes promise safety and enable lithium metal anodes but face manufacturing challenges:
| Material Class |
Examples |
Ionic Conductivity |
Key Challenges |
| Sulfides |
Li6PS5Cl (Argyrodite), Li10GeP2S12 |
10-25 mS/cm |
Air sensitivity, interface stability |
| Oxides |
LLZO (Li7La3Zr2O12), NASICON |
0.1-1 mS/cm |
Grain boundary resistance, brittleness |
| Polymers |
PEO-LiTFSI, Single-ion conductors |
0.01-0.1 mS/cm |
Low conductivity at room temperature |
| Halides |
Li3YCl6, Li3InCl6 |
1-3 mS/cm |
Cost, high-voltage stability |
Recycling and sustainability
Battery recycling addresses critical material supply and environmental concerns:
- Hydrometallurgical processes: Leaching with acids recovers Li, Ni, Co, Mn with 95%+ efficiency.
- Direct recycling: Relithiation restores cathode structure without breaking down materials.
- Second-life applications: EV batteries at 80% capacity repurposed for grid storage.
- Urban mining: LCO from consumer electronics provides high-value cobalt stream.
Key papers
See also