Researchers from the Tokyo Institute of Technology and Okayama University have demonstrated a way to improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries by coating the LiCoO₂ cathode in BaTiO₃ nanodots. The research could lead to EV batteries that charge quicker and last longer.

The researchers fabricated three LiCoO₂ cathodes: one bare, one coated with a planar layer of BaTiO₃, and one coated with an array of BaTiO₃ nanodots. In testing each, the researchers found that the nanodot-coated cathode performed much better than the other two in terms of stability and discharge capacity.

“Our results clearly demonstrate that decorating with BaTiO₃ nanodots plays an important role in improving cyclability and reducing resistance,” said researcher Mitsuru Itoh.

The BaTiO₃ nanodots concentrate electric current in a ring around them and create paths through which Li ions can pass, even at really high charge/discharge rates.

The researchers postulated that the nanodots create paths for lithium ions to traverse, even under high charge/discharge rates. The research is published in Nano Letters: Enhancement of Ultrahigh Rate Chargeability by Interfacial Nanodot BaTiO₃ Treatment on LiCoO₂ Cathode Thin Film Batteries.

Source: Tokyo Institute of Technology