LM6751 LiNiCoMnO2 Target, Lithium Nickel Cobalt Manganese Oxide (NCM) Target

LiNiCoMnO2 Target Description

LiNiCoMnO2 (NCM) is a layered oxide cathode material characterized by its crystallographic structure in the *R-3m* space group, forming a hexagonal lattice that enables efficient lithium-ion diffusion during electrochemical cycling. Its composition integrates lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese oxides, with the relative ratios of transition metals (Ni, Co, Mn) directly influencing its electrochemical and structural behavior. Higher nickel content, as seen in variants like NCM811 (LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2), prioritizes energy density by increasing specific capacity (~172 mAh/g at 0.5C), but introduces challenges such as oxygen loss at elevated temperatures and lattice instability during repeated charge/discharge cycles. The layered α-NaFeO2 framework provides accessible pathways for lithium-ion migration, though structural degradation mechanisms—such as phase transitions (e.g., O3→O1) and microcrack formation due to anisotropic volume changes (~5% strain)—remain critical limitations.

To address these issues, advanced modifications focus on stabilizing the material’s atomic architecture. Surface coatings, such as sodium phytate (PN), form a protective barrier that mitigates electrolyte decomposition and suppresses oxygen release at high voltages (up to 4.6V), significantly delaying thermal runaway onset temperatures (from 125.9°C to 184.8°C). Concurrently, high-entropy doping strategies—incorporating elements like titanium, magnesium, and niobium into the crystal lattice—enhance mechanical resilience by reducing axial strain (<0.5%) and preventing crack propagation. This "zero-strain" behavior preserves structural integrity over extended cycling, achieving capacity retention rates exceeding 95% after 500 cycles. Furthermore, nanostructuring techniques optimize ion transport kinetics by exposing electrochemically active facets (e.g., {010} planes in nanosheets), lowering interfacial resistance, and improving rate performance.

Despite its inherent trade-offs between nickel content and stability, innovations in atomic-scale engineering, such as dual-anion doping (e.g., fluorine and sulfur) to reinforce oxygen frameworks, demonstrate potential to decouple energy density from degradation, enabling high-capacity NCM variants to maintain robust thermal and mechanical properties. These advancements underscore its role as a chemically tunable platform for balancing energy storage efficiency with long-term operational durability.

LiNiCoMnO2 Target Applications

1. Electric Vehicles (EVs): NCM-based lithium-ion batteries are extensively used in electric vehicles for their high specific capacity (~250 mAh/g) and energy density (>400 Wh/kg), which directly enhances driving range and power output. High-nickel variants (e.g., NCM811) balance energy density with thermal stability through surface modifications like sodium phytate (PN) coatings, which suppress oxygen release and delay thermal runaway onset temperatures by 45% (from 125.9°C to 184.8°C). Advanced doping strategies, such as high-entropy co-doping (e.g., Ti, Mg, Nb, Mo), further stabilize the lattice, achieving "zero-strain" behavior (axial strain <0.5%) and 95% capacity retention after 500 cycles, making them ideal for long-lasting EV batteries.

2. Energy Storage Systems (ESS): NCM materials are critical for grid-scale and renewable energy storage due to their high voltage (>4.5 V) and compatibility with low-cost manganese-rich compositions. For example, cobalt-free lithium-rich manganese-based cathodes (Li1.2Ni0.2Mn0.6O2) deliver capacities exceeding 250 mAh/g and energy densities of 400 Wh/kg, addressing the mismatch between energy supply and demand in solar/wind systems. Surface coatings like LiYO2 improve structural integrity and reduce interfacial resistance, enabling stable cycling in large-scale ESS applications.

3. High-Power Devices: Nanostructured NCM materials, such as walnut-shaped nanosheets with exposed {010} active facets, enhance lithium-ion diffusion kinetics. These materials exhibit excellent rate performance (131.23 mAh/g at 10C) and are suitable for high-power applications like power tools and hybrid electric vehicles.

4. Consumer Electronics: High-voltage NCM variants (operating up to 4.9 V) enable compact, high-energy-density batteries for smartphones, laptops, and wearable devices. Modified NCM811 with cerium oxide (CeO2) coatings mitigates oxygen release into electrolytes, reducing capacity fade and extending device lifespan.

5. Supercapacitors: While primarily used in batteries, NCM-inspired heterostructures like NiCo-MOF@MnO2/AC electrodes are explored for asymmetric supercapacitors. These systems achieve high specific capacitance (15.2 F/cm2) and energy density (1.191 mWh/cm2), bridging the gap between traditional capacitors and batteries for rapid energy delivery in hybrid systems.

LiNiCoMnO2 Target 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 Target FAQs

Q1. What are the key advantages of NCM?

NCM offers high energy density (>400 Wh/kg) and tunable electrochemical properties. Its layered structure supports rapid lithium-ion transport, while advanced modifications, such as sodium phytate coatings or high-entropy doping, enhance thermal stability (e.g., delaying thermal runaway from 125.9°C to 184.8°C) and mechanical resilience (95% capacity retention after 500 cycles).

Q2. Where is NCM primarily used?

NCM dominates electric vehicle (EV) batteries due to its high capacity (~250 mAh/g) and driving range. It also powers energy storage systems (ESS) for renewable grids, high-power devices (e.g., power tools), and consumer electronics (e.g., smartphones).

Q3. How does NCM compare to other cathode materials?

Unlike lithium iron phosphate (LFP), NCM provides higher energy density but requires stabilization for thermal 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 LiFePO4 Double-Side Coated Aluminum Foil starts with mixing lithium iron phosphate powder, conductive additives such as carbon black, and a polymer binder like polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) dissolved in a solvent such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) to form a uniform slurry. This slurry is then evenly coated onto both sides of high-purity aluminum foil using precise techniques like slot-die or roll-to-roll coating. After coating, the foil undergoes drying to remove the solvent and solidify the active material layers. The dried foil is subsequently calendared to enhance its density, mechanical strength, and electrochemical performance. Finally, the coated foil is slit or punched into desired sizes for use in lithium-ion battery cell assembly, research, or production. Throughout the process, strict quality control ensures coating uniformity, adhesion, and material consistency.