Tailored Ni-Rich Cathodes for All-Solid-State Batteries

Bulk-type solid-state batteries hold promise as an enabling technology for high density electrochemical energy storage. Especially layered (Ni-rich, low-Co or Co-free) oxide cathode materials [e.g., LiNi_xCo_yMn_1−x−yO₂ (NCM or NMC) and LiNiO₂ (LNO)] and superionic lithium thiophosphate solid electrolytes are being considered for high energy density solid-state battery applications. However, electro-chemo-mechanical degradation occurring during cycling is a major obstacle towards development of stable and long-lived cells. In this presentation, I will highlight the importance of tailoring Ni-rich cathodes for increasing performance of pellet-type and slurry-cast electrodes. In addition, I will show recent findings on the effect that protective surface coatings have on interfacial side reactions and mechanical degradation in thiophosphate-based cells.