This technology enhances crystallographic stability by modifying the surface crystal structure of a layered base cathode active material precursor into a second crystal structure with wider interlayer spacing, followed by cation exchange to replace a portion of the first metal with a second metal, thereby removing residual anions and moisture.
Cathode active material precursors produced via conventional co-precipitation often retain internal moisture or anions, leading to the formation of numerous voids during the final synthesis. These voids cause micro-cracks as particles expand and contract during charge-discharge cycles, ultimately limiting battery lifespan.
This technology converts the base precursor into a crystal structure with wider interlayer spacing and performs reflux heat treatment in a cation exchange solution containing a second metal, such as cobalt. This process removes residual internal anions and concentrates the second metal on the particle surface to form a core-shell structure. It can be applied to high-nickel NCM cathode mass production and long-life EV cell development, helping to reduce particle cracking and slow capacity degradation in later cycles.
This invention was developed with support from the Ministry of Science and ICT for research and development on electrode active materials for high-performance lithium secondary batteries through precision control at the nanoscale.
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