Zero-strain cathode materials for Li-ion batteries

Chemo-mechanical effects in Li-ion batteries are commonly related to capacity fade induced by repeated charge/discharge cycles. The pursuit of low- or even zero-strain electrode materials has received renewed interest as an opportunity to increase the reversible capacity of layered cathodes or to integrate all-solid-state electrolytes in composite cathodes. Writing in Nature, Zhang et al. demonstrate that a multi-element doped “high-entropy” layered oxide can exhibit a quasi-zero volume change and high-capacity retention. Chemo-mechanical effects in Li-ion batteries are commonly related to capacity fade induced by repeated charge/discharge cycles. The pursuit of low- or even zero-strain electrode materials has received renewed interest as an opportunity to increase the reversible capacity of layered cathodes or to integrate all-solid-state electrolytes in composite cathodes. Writing in Nature, Zhang et al. demonstrate that a multi-element doped “high-entropy” layered oxide can exhibit a quasi-zero volume change and high-capacity retention.