Lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide

LiNbO3-coated NMC532 is a high-performance cathode active material designed to be used in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), particularly solid-state batteries and high-voltage LIBs. NMC532 balances the high capacity bestowed by 50% nickel with the structural stability imparted by the manganese and cobalt. Compared to NMC811, NMC532 tends to achieve better cycling lifetime and coulombic efficiencies. The LiNbO3-coating boosts the stability of the cathode material by protecting the electrode and electrolyte from unwanted reactions. Research indicates that the lithium-niobate coating, increases the capacity over time (less capacity fade) by mitigating reactions between the electrolyte and cathode material and by impeding the release of metal ions from the NMC cathode into the electrolyte. Additionally, the lithium-niobate coating, sometimes called a LiNbO3 insertion layer, improves the rate capability by reducing the space charge layer barrier at the electrolyte/cathode interface. This improvement is evidenced both in enhanced Li diffusion and smaller electrode polarization.

-NMC532 balances high capacity and long cycle lifetimes
-LiNbO3 coating protects the cathode and electrolyte, improving coulombic efficiency
-LiNbO3 insertion layer improves rate capability

Lithium niobate coated NMC532 is a powdered form of lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide with a stoichiometry of 5:3:2 Ni:Mn:Co and a typical particle size of 4-10 microns. The particles are coated in 5-10 nm amorphous lithium niobate, less than 1 wt.%.