POSTECH researchers develop method to extend EV battery life

A research team at POSTECH, led by Professors Hong Ji-hyun and Park Kyu-young, has developed a new strategy to enhance the lifespan and performance of next-generation electric vehicle batteries by precisely controlling oxygen release.

The study focuses on Lithium-Excess Layered Oxide (LMRO), a manganese-based cathode material that offers higher energy density than nickel-based materials while reducing the need for expensive nickel and cobalt. Previously, LMRO faced commercialization hurdles due to capacity loss and voltage drops caused by structural degradation during charge-discharge cycles.

The researchers discovered that as the battery is charged, oxygen escapes from the material, causing the regular layered structure to transform into a disordered rock-salt structure. By controlling the amount of oxygen released through the charge depth (voltage), the team found they could increase the pathways for lithium movement, thereby increasing capacity. Through this precise control, the material maintained 98.4% of its initial energy even after more than 200 charge-discharge cycles.

The findings were published in the journal ‘Energy & Environmental Science’, where the paper was selected as a ‘Hot Article’.