Inventors

Marta Cabello (CIC energiGUNE), Aitor Villaverde (CIC energiGUNE), Nicholas Drewett (CIC energiGUNE)

Abstract

The authors of the present invention have developed a lithium-rich manganese-rich layered oxide material doped with copper suitable for use as cathode material in batteries and exhibiting high coulombic efficiency, high capacity gain, high energy density and high capacity retention rate. The compound of the invention is a composite material forming two phases and comprising a monoclinic phase consisting of Li₂MnO₃ and a trigonal phase consisting of a mixed metal oxide of an alkali metal M or a mixture thereof, manganese, nickel, cobalt and copper; providing a compound of formula: Li_aM_a’Mn_bNi_xCo_yCu_zO₂.

The compound of the invention unexpectedly exhibits higher discharge capacity values than the equivalent undoped material. In addition, when the compound of the invention comprises large amounts of copper, the discharge capacity does not deteriorate as fast after several charging cycles, as is observed for the compounds doped with copper known in the art. Such compound thus possesses improved capacity retention rates.

Added value

• High discharge capacity values


• High energy density


• High capacity retention

Application of the technology

• Cathodes in electrochemical cells (e.g. lithium-ion batteries)