Hierarchical Conducting Bridging Network for Accelerated Charge Transport and Structural Stabilization of Li-Mn-Rich Cathodes

초록

With the rapid deployment of electric vehicles (EVs), achieving high energy density and stable performance in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has become a critical challenge. Lithium and manganese-rich layered oxides (LMROs) are promising cathode materials owing to their high theoretical capacities; however, their intrinsically low electronic conductivities and sluggish charge-transfer kinetics result in poor rate capability and limited cycling stability. Furthermore, the non-uniform transport of electrons and Li+ within the electrode hinders homogeneous electrochemical reactions and induces localized degradation. This study proposes a strategy to construct a hierarchically conducting bridging network (HCBN) for highly electrochemical stable LMRO electrodes. In this approach, improved reaction uniformity combined with structural reinforcement at the individual particle level mitigates localized structural degradation and particle-level failure. Moreover, HCBN forms a continuous conductive network within the electrode, promoting uniform electrochemical reactions and mitigating localized degradation and internal stress accumulation, thereby delaying structural collapse and effectively suppressing phase transitions and particle pulverization during cycling. Consequently, the proposed strategy improves the reversibility and cycling stability of the LMRO-HCBN electrode. Overcoming the intrinsic limitations of LMROs represents a promising approach to developing next-generation high-energy-density batteries.

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