Electrode Active Material Containing Lithium Ion-Exchanged Zeolite and Electrochemical Device Using the Same

NMC622 Cathode Electrode with Extended Lifespan via Lithium Ion-Exchanged Nano-Zeolite Coating

This technology improves electrochemical stability, cycle performance, and lifespan by coating the surface of LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2, a lithium secondary battery cathode active material, with fine zeolite particles that have been ion-exchanged with lithium ions.

While lithium-nickel-based metal oxides (NMC) are advantageous for achieving high capacity, they have historically suffered from poor cycle performance. Furthermore, their high reactivity with electrolytes leads to a rapid decline in lifespan over extended periods of use.

This technology involves exchanging cations such as Na+ within the zeolite for Li+, milling the particles to 0.1㎛ or less, coating them at 3 to 9 parts by weight per 100 parts of active material, and modifying the surface through heat treatment at 100–500℃. Applicable to long-range electric vehicle batteries and residential ESS cells requiring long warranty periods, the porous zeolite acts as a protective layer that absorbs electrolyte side reactions without hindering lithium ion transport.

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Key Features:

• Electrode active material composed of zeolite and LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 lithium composite oxide capable of lithium insertion and extraction
• Zeolite ion-exchanged with lithium ions, with a particle size of 0.1㎛ or less, contained at 3 to 9 parts by weight per 100 parts of electrode active material
• Zeolite coating layer formed on lithium composite oxide particles through mixing and stirring in ethanol, followed by drying and heat treatment at 100℃ to 500℃
• Conductive agents and binders mixed with zeolite-coated lithium composite oxide particles to form the electrode

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