Developing a Spectro-electrochemical Method for Operando Monitoring of Capacity Fading in Nickel-rich Battery Cathodes

Reactions at the cathode-electrolyte interface (CEI) layer determine how fast a battery will age, particularly if high-voltage and nickel-rich NMC electrodes are used. Therefore, the CEI layer must be stable over the battery's lifetime.

This feasibility project brings researchers from Uppsala University and Northvolt to determine the cathode active material (CAM) synthesis parameters and composition, electrolyte formulations, and cycling conditions required to form a stable CEI with little or no gassing and low internal cell resistance.

Using operando Raman spectro-electrochemistry, electron microscopy, X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, we aim to identify the chemical composition, stability, and ageing mechanism of the CEI.

In particular, we will design and implement a novel operando bi-potentiostat electrochemical setup to detect and quantify transition metal ions dissolved out of the cathode.