High-throughput methods are utilized to improve electrodes for Li-ion batteries. These studies include thorough screening of complete ternary systems, as well as doping studies looking at the impact of as many as 52 different substitutions. Materials are optimized for energy density, extended cycling, and rate capacity. Systems discussed here will include Al-doped NMC cathodes and high-voltage phosphates.

We will first discuss our recent progress in eliminating the use of cobalt in lithium-ion batteries. We investigate the electrochemical properties of cobalt-free layered cathodes in various platforms, from conventional polycrystalline materials to size-tailored single crystals. Then, we will highlight a new class of nickel- and cobalt-free cathode materials with dual transition metal redox. Throughout the presentation, we will demonstrate how our battery research has been accelerated by synchrotron techniques.

The battery community knows the important roles of binder and CB practically without detailed science. X-ray chemical imaging of active and passive components within porous composite Li-ion battery offers a unique avenue to better understand complicated multi-length scale performance and degradation heterogeneities. Post-modem examinations along with operando dynamic studies of single-particle behavior in practical electrodes will benefit battery material synthesis, surface modification, and electrode optimization.

Compared to the extensively-used lithium-ion (Li-ion) cells, Na-ion cells have a lower energy density and cycle life but perform better in a wide operational temperature range and are safer. Na-ion cells have a similar working principle to Li-ion cells and are expected to be at least 20% cheaper than LFP due to their lithium-free nature. However, separator and electrolyte costs could be significant and result in Na-ion being more costly.