Inspired by cometary ice sublimation, scientists at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in the USA have discovered a novel method for creating battery materials. The research, published in Nature Energy on March 6, reveals that lithium oxide (Li2O) sublimation can significantly improve the production of single-crystal battery components.
The PNNL team found that Li2O vapor accelerates the chemical reaction needed to form single crystals when mixed with nickel-rich precursors. This process occurs at atmospheric pressure, making it potentially faster, more efficient, and less expensive than current methods. Single-crystal materials are known to enhance the lifespan and stability of batteries, preventing micro-crack development during charging cycles.
“This discovery offers a potentially quicker, more efficient, and less costly route to scale up the manufacturing of nickel-rich lithium-ion batteries,” said Jie Xiao, co-author of the paper. The sublimation method also allows for the direct conversion of used polycrystalline materials into single crystals, simplifying the recycling process and reducing waste. These new crystals have demonstrated stability over 1,000 charge/discharge cycles, promising longer-lasting batteries.
The team is now focused on scaling up the process with industrial partners to reduce manufacturing costs. They aim to supply single crystals to strategic partners by 2026, paving the way for more affordable and durable batteries for various applications, including electric vehicles and grid storage.