Fuel Cells and Batteries

Cathodes - Synthesis and Characterization of Cathode Materials for Rechargeable Lithium and Lithium-ion Batteries
Funded by the DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Division

Marca M. Doeff, Principal Investigator

The identification and development of low cost, safe, and environmentally benign cathode materials are critical elements in the advancement of Li ion battery technologies for vehicular applications. Of particular interest are iron and manganese based oxides, phosphates and other polyanionic compounds.  At present, all suffer from performance limitations inhibiting their practical use in next generation hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and electric vehicles (EVs). Our efforts are directed towards 1) identifying new compositions that can achieve DOE’s performance goals and 2) improving the electrochemical performance of known candidates through improved materials synthesis techniques. To further these goals, we work with other members of the Batteries for Advanced Transportation Technologies team at LBNL and elsewhere.

CURRENT PROJECTS

• Synthesis of olivine/carbon and olivine/carbon nanotube composites
• Survey of polyanionic compounds and transition metal oxides for use in lithium ion batteries 
• Substituted layered mixed transition metal oxides with low cobalt content

Figure Caption: STEM image of a carbon nanotube in a LiFePO4/carbon composite produced by a one-step co-synthesis technique. The nanotubes act to wire together particles, improving the current capability of the composite cathode in a battery configuration.