Advances in cathode technology for Li-ion batteries

The exponentially growing demand for portable electronics, such as laptop computers and cellular phones, has rapidly increased interest for the development of more efficient Li-ion batteries, particularly for high rate applications. Presently, commercially available cells use LiCoO₂ as cathodic material, and in an effort to improve energy density, mixed LiNi_yCo_1-yO₂ layered compounds are presently receiving considerable attention. An alternate approach for increasing both rate and capacity capabilities, namely the use of “two-phase” cathode materials, is the subject of this presentation. By increasing rate capability and, at the same time, decreasing polarization at the cathode, increases in energy and specific capacities are obtained