A generation of materials, a generation of batteries: cathode materials can upgrade lithium-ion power batteries

“A generation of materials, a generation of batteries”. Improved cathode materials continue to upgrade lithium-ion power batteries. The cathode of the first-generation battery was made of LiMn₂O₄, which has the characteristics of good low-temperature performance, low cost, and high safety, but the energy density is not very high. The second-generation batteries used LiFePO₄ and NCA/NCM; the former has the advantages of long life, low cost, and high safety, while the latter has large capacity, high energy density, and high charging efficiency. The third-generation batteries are made of high-voltage LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ and LiNiO₂，and aim to combine both low cost and long lifetime so that longer mileage can be achieved. This paper first describes the history, advantages, disadvantages, and recent developments of the first and second-generation LiMn₂O₄, LiFePO₄, and NCA/NCM cathode materials, then presents an overview of the next generation LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ and LiNiO₂ materials.