Sol-Gel Processed Cathode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract

In recent years, cathode materials prepared through sol-gel method exhibited improved electrochemical performance in rechargeable Li-ion batteries. Undoubtedly, this promising low-temperature synthetic method for high surface area materials offers homogeneity, and particle size control for achieving desired physical and chemical properties. In addition, several modifications of the sol-gel method using chelating and polymerizing agents enabled further control of cathode material porosity and morphology. Moreover, major drawbacks of current generation Li-ion battery cathodes such as transition metal ion leaching, low electronic conductivity, etc. were efficiently mitigated by sol-gel synthesis of doped cathodes, their composite formation with metal nanoparticles/fast Li-ion conductor, and uniform carbon/metal oxide coating. Commercialization of several Li-ion battery cathodes is also enabled by modified sol-gel methods that allow scalable material synthesis. In summary, tailored synthesis of a wide range of cathode materials through sol-gel process facilitated the development of high-performance secondary Li-ion batteries for advanced electrochemical energy storage.