Seminar: Structure-Property Relationship of Layered Transition Metal Oxides Cathodes for Lithium- and Sodium-Ion Batteries

Abstract

Layered lithium transition-metal oxides are an important class of materials, powering the vast majority of current lithium-ion battery systems. These structures readily accommodate the larger sodium ion in place of lithium and can also act as electrodes in sodium-ion batteries. The similarity between the lithium and sodium intercalation chemistries is a great advantage in the development of sodium-ion batteries since the knowledge and experience acquired from the lithium-ion batteries can be directly applied for sodium. Furthermore, the versatility of the analogous sodium layered materials in forming different polymorphs provides better understanding of the structure-electrochemical property relationship in the 2D layered materials. This in turn can promote the development of advanced layered materials for lithium-ion batteries also.

As an example, Argonne National Laboratory has demonstrated the full-range phase transition and electrochemical behavior of layered NaVS2 materials in comparison with those of LiVS2, NaVO2 and LiVO2 analogous. The electrochemical activity is related to the various O (octahedral) and P (trigonal prismatic) stacking sequence of the layers, and the relative bonding strength of sulfides (S2-) and oxides (O2-) to the alkali metal cation (Li+ and Na+). Such information has led to the development of high-power Nax(Li,Ni,Mn)O2 cathodes for sodium-ion batteries, and further helped design novel structure-controlled cathodes for advanced lithium-ion batteries as well. This presentation discusses the comparative behavior of these layered systems for lithium- and sodium-ion batteries in this presentation.

About the speaker

Eungje Lee is a staff scientist in the Chemical Science and Engineering Division at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), specializing in research and development of advanced battery materials. He began his materials science studies at Seoul National University (BS 1999 and MS 2003) and received his PhD degree in materials science and engineering from the University of Texas at Austin (2010) under the direction of Professor Arumugam Manthiram. Before pursuing a doctoral degree, he worked for LG Chemicals developing novel fast ionic conductors. Lee’s current research at ANL involves development of novel materials for lithium-ion batteries and alternative energy storage systems.
 

Hosted by Professor Jung Hyun Kim.