Three-Dimensionally Porous Li-Ion and Li-S Battery Cathodes: A Mini Review for Preparation Methods and Energy-Storage Performance

Among many types of batteries, Li-ion and Li-S batteries have been of great interest because of their high energy density, low self-discharge, and non-memory effect, among other aspects. Emerging applications require batteries with higher performance factors, such as capacity and cycling life, which have motivated many research efforts on constructing high-performance anode and cathode materials. Herein, recent research about cathode materials are particularly focused on. Low electron and ion conductivities and poor electrode stability remain great challenges. Three-dimensional (3D) porous nanostructures commonly exhibit unique properties, such as good Li⁺ ion diffusion, short electron transfer pathway, robust mechanical strength, and sufficient space for volume change accommodation during charge/discharge, which make them promising for high-performance cathodes in batteries. A comprehensive summary about some cutting-edge investigations of Li-ion and Li-S battery cathodes is presented. As demonstrative examples, LiCoO₂, LiMn₂O₄, LiFePO₄, V₂O₅, and LiNi_1−x−yCo_xMn_yO₂ in pristine and modified forms with a 3D porous structure for Li-ion batteries are introduced, with a particular focus on their preparation methods. Additionally, S loaded on 3D scaffolds for Li-S batteries is discussed. In addition, the main challenges and potential directions for next generation cathodes have been indicated, which would be beneficial to researchers and engineers developing high-performance electrodes for advanced secondary batteries.

Hierarchical Mesoporous Lithium-Rich Li[Li0.2Ni0.2Mn0.6]O2 Cathode Material Synthesized via Ice Templating for Lithium-Ion Battery

Tuning hierarchical micro/nanostructure of electrode materials is a sought-after means to reinforce their electrochemical performance in the energy storage field. Herein, we introduce a type of hierarchical mesoporous Li[Li0.2Ni0.2Mn0.6]O2 microsphere composed of nanoparticles synthesized via an ice templating combined coprecipitation strategy. It is a low-cost, eco-friendly, and easily operated method using ice as a template to control material with homogeneous morphology and rich porous channels. The as-prepared material exhibits remarkably enhanced electrochemical performances with higher capacity, more excellent cycling stability and more superior rate property, compared with the sample prepared by conventional coprecipitation method. It has satisfactory initial discharge capacities of 280.1 mAh g(-1) at 0.1 C, 207.1 mAh g(-1) at 2 C, and 152.4 mAh g(-1) at 5 C, as well as good cycle performance. The enhanced electrochemical performance can be ascribed to the stable hierarchical microsized structure and the improved lithium-ion diffusion kinetics from the highly porous structure.

Hybrid LiV3O8/carbon encapsulated Li1.2Mn0.54Co0.13Ni0.13O2 with improved electrochemical properties for lithium ion batteries

Core–shell Li_1.2Mn_0.54Co_0.13Ni_0.13O₂@LiV₃O₈/C composite material was prepared by sol–gel method. It possessed an initial coulombic efficiency of 94% at 0.1C rate over 2.0–4.8 V potential range, and good rate capability and stable operation voltage.

Glucose-assisted combustion synthesis of Li1.2Ni0.13Co0.13Mn0.54O2 cathode materials with superior electrochemical performance for lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-rich layered Li_1.2Ni_0.13Co_0.13Mn_0.54O₂ cathode materials have been successfully fabricated by a glucose-assisted combustion method combined with a calcination treatment.

Promoting the cyclic and rate performance of lithium-rich ternary materials via surface modification and lattice expansion

Nickel-rich layered lithium transition-metal oxides have been studied intensively as high-energy positive-electrode materials for lithium batteries because of their high specific capacity and relatively low-cost.