AC6755 LiNiCoMnO2 (NCM523) Single Side Coated Cathode Electrode Disc

LiNiCoMnO2 (NCM523) Single Side Coated Cathode Electrode Disc Description

The LiNiCoMnO2 (NCM523) Single-Side Coated Cathode Electrode Disc is a specialized lithium-ion battery component designed to optimize energy storage efficiency and structural integrity. Composed of a layered NCM523 (LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2) cathode material uniformly coated on one side of a conductive substrate, typically aluminum foil (10-20 μm thick), this electrode disc leverages a balanced transition metal ratio (Ni:Co:Mn = 5:2:3) to achieve a harmonious blend of energy density (~180-200 mAh/g at 0.1C) and thermal stability. The NCM523 crystallizes in a hexagonal α-NaFeO2 structure (space group *R-3m*), characterized by alternating layers of lithium and transition metal oxides, which enable efficient lithium-ion intercalation/deintercalation with moderate lattice strain (~2-3%) during cycling.

The single-side coating, typically 80-120 μm thick, is formulated with a slurry of NCM523 powder, conductive carbon additives (e.g., 3-5 wt% carbon black), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) binder, deposited via precision methods like slot-die coating or doctor-blading. Post-coating calendaring under 5-10 MPa pressure ensures high electrode density (≥3.3 g/cm3) and strong adhesion to the aluminum substrate, which exhibits low electrical resistivity (~2.65×10^-8 Ω·m) and mechanical robustness (tensile strength >150 MPa). The uncoated side of the foil prevents direct electrolyte contact, minimizing parasitic reactions such as lithium plating and aluminum corrosion at high operating voltages (>4.3V).

The NCM523 layer demonstrates enhanced thermal resilience compared to higher-nickel variants, with oxygen release onset temperatures exceeding 220°C under inert conditions, attributed to the stabilizing role of manganese and cobalt in the lattice. Surface modifications, such as trace aluminum doping or ultrathin ceramic coatings (e.g., Al2O3 via atomic layer deposition), further suppress interfacial side reactions and reduce charge-transfer resistance, enabling stable cycling at elevated rates (e.g., 140 mAh/g at 2C). The material’s balanced composition also mitigates cation mixing (Li/Ni disorder <4%), a common degradation mechanism in nickel-rich cathodes, ensuring long-term capacity retention (>90% after 500 cycles at 1C).

Advanced manufacturing techniques, including laser thickness monitoring and plasma surface activation, guarantee coating uniformity (thickness tolerance ±2 μm) and optimized electrode morphology, critical for scalable production. The single-side design reduces material waste and simplifies integration into cylindrical or prismatic cell architectures while maintaining compatibility with recycling processes, where the aluminum substrate and NCM523 can be efficiently separated and regenerated. This electrode configuration exemplifies a strategic balance between energy density, durability, and manufacturability, tailored for reliable performance in mid-to-high voltage lithium-ion systems.

LiNiCoMnO2 (NCM523) Single Side Coated Cathode Electrode Disc Applications

1. Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) and Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs): NCM523’s moderate energy density (~180-200 mAh/g) and enhanced thermal stability (oxygen release >220°C) make it ideal for HEVs and PHEVs, where battery systems demand durability under frequent charge/discharge cycles. The single-side coating minimizes interfacial side reactions, enabling stable operation at mid-range voltages (4.2-4.3V) and extending cycle life (>90% capacity retention after 500 cycles at 1C). Its compatibility with high-rate charging supports regenerative braking systems while reducing the risks of lithium plating.

2. Grid-Scale Energy Storage Systems (ESS): In stationary storage, NCM523’s long cycle life and resistance to voltage decay are critical for daily cycling in renewable energy integration (e.g., solar/wind). The material’s manganese-rich composition reduces costs and improves structural integrity, while the single-side design lowers electrode weight and manufacturing complexity. Paired with lithium-rich electrolytes, NCM523-based systems achieve energy densities of 300-350 Wh/kg, suitable for multi-hour grid support.

3. Industrial and Backup Power Systems: For uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and industrial machinery, NCM523 electrodes provide reliable performance in high-ambient-temperature environments. Surface modifications like Al2O3 coatings enhance thermal resilience, allowing operation up to 55°C without significant degradation. The single-side coated discs also simplify maintenance and replacement in modular battery setups.

4. Consumer Electronics: In premium laptops, power tools, and medical devices, NCM523 balances energy density and safety. The single-side coating reduces electrode thickness, enabling compact battery designs while maintaining stable output under high loads (e.g., 140 mAh/g at 2C). Ceramic-coated variants further suppress oxygen release, ensuring safe operation even in tightly sealed devices.

5. Second-Life Battery Applications: Post-vehicle-use NCM523 electrodes are repurposed for low-power applications, such as residential energy storage or IoT devices. Their retained capacity (>80% after 1,000 cycles) and recyclability align with circular economy goals. Closed-loop recycling processes efficiently recover aluminum foil and NCM523, reducing reliance on virgin materials.

LiNiCoMnO2 (NCM523) Single Side Coated Cathode Electrode Disc Packaging

Our products are packaged in customized cartons of various sizes based on the material dimensions. Small items are securely packed in PP boxes, while larger items are placed in custom wooden crates. We ensure strict adherence to packaging customization and the use of appropriate cushioning materials to provide optimal protection during transportation.

Packaging: Carton, Wooden Box, or Customized.

Kindly review the packaging details provided for your reference.

Manufacturing Process

1.       Testing Method

(1)    Chemical Composition Analysis - Verified using techniques such as GDMS or XRF to ensure compliance with purity requirements.

(2)    Mechanical Properties Testing - Includes tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation tests to assess material performance.

(3)    Dimensional Inspection - Measures thickness, width, and length to ensure adherence to specified tolerances.

(4)    Surface Quality Inspection - Checks for defects such as scratches, cracks, or inclusions through visual and ultrasonic examination.

(5)    Hardness Testing - Determines material hardness to confirm uniformity and mechanical reliability.

Please refer to the SAM testing procedures for detailed information.

LiNiCoMnO2 (NCM523) Single Side Coated Cathode Electrode Disc FAQs

Q1. Why is high nickel content used in NCM?

High-nickel variants (e.g., NCM811) boost energy density (~250 mAh/g) but face challenges like oxygen loss at high voltages (>4.5V) and structural degradation. Innovations like surface coatings (e.g., sodium phytate) and doping (e.g., Ti, Mg) mitigate these issues, improving thermal stability and cycle life.

Q2. How does NCM enhance battery safety?

Modifications such as sodium phytate coatings delay thermal runaway onset temperatures by 45% (125.9°C→184.8°C), while high-entropy doping reduces lattice strain (<0.5%) to prevent cracks. These strategies ensure structural integrity even under extreme conditions.

Q3. How does NCM compare to LFP or LCO cathodes?

NCM offers higher energy density than lithium iron phosphate (LFP) but requires stabilization for safety. Compared to lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), it reduces cobalt reliance and costs while maintaining performance.

Related Information

1.       Common Preparation Methods

The preparation of a LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (NCM523) single-side coated cathode electrode disc involves synthesizing the NCM523 layered oxide material through methods such as solid-state or hydrothermal synthesis, followed by mixing the active material with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) binder and conductive carbon black (e.g., Super P) to form a slurry, which is then uniformly coated onto one side of a 15 μm thick aluminum foil current collector using a wet coating process, dried to remove solvents, and calendered to achieve a compaction density of approximately 3.0 g/cm3, resulting in a cathode disc optimized for lithium-ion battery applications.