The Effect of Cathode Particle Surface Area on the Performance of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries have become a crucial tool in countering global fossil fuel reliance; when paired with electric motors, they provide an alternative to petroleum-based energy storage for internal combustion engines. The cathode (the positive electrode) in a lithium-ion battery is typically made up of lithiated transition metal oxides, each of which presents a unique set of challenges. Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) is one such cathode material that suffers from a relatively low conductivity, thus requiring a carbon coating to improve its electrochemical performance. The nature of this carbon coating and the available surface area of the cathode materials are expected to have an effect on the overall performance of the material when assembled into a battery. These properties will also impact the suitability of the material to certain applications such as for sustained operation (e.g., automotive applications) or for short term, high power needs (e.g., power tools). This study aims to systematically evaluate the effect of LFP particle surface area and the nature of the carbon coating on the electrochemical performance of these materials.

Faculty Supervisor:

Byron Gates;Byron D. Gates

Student:

Partner:

Nano One Materials Corp

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Manufacturing; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Simon Fraser University

Program: