Research Progress of Single-Crystal Nickel-Rich Cathode Materials for Lithium Ion Batteries

Abstract

Single-crystal nickel-rich cathode materials (SC-NRCMs) are the most promising candidates for next-generation power batteries which enable longer driving range and reliable safety. In this review, the outstanding advantages of SC-NRCMs are discussed systematically in aspects of structural and thermal stabilities. Particularly, the intergranular-crack-free morphology exhibits superior cycling performance and negligible parasitic reactions even under severe conditions. Besides, various synthetic methods are summarized and the relation between precursor, sintering process, and final single-crystal products are revealed, providing a full view of synthetic methods. Then, challenges of SC-NRCMs in fields of kinetics of lithium diffusion and the one particularly occurred at high voltage (intragranular cracks and aggravated parasitic reactions) are discussed. The corresponding mechanism and modifications are also referred. Through this review, it is aimed to highlight the magical morphology of SC-NRCMs for application perspective and provide a reference for following researchers.

Keywords: cation disordering; kinetics of lithium diffusion; micro-cracks; nickel-rich layered cathodes; single crystals.