Next‐Generation High‐Voltage Cathodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries: Challenges, Innovations, and Future Directions

Abstract Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are crucial for modern energy storage needs, enabling a diverse array of applications, from portable electronics to electric vehicles and grid‐scale systems. Despite significant advancements, the cathode remains a key bottleneck limiting energy density and cost efficiency. This review delves into the evolution of cathode materials, highlighting their structural and electrochemical advancements. While the development of layered oxides, spinel oxides, and polyanion oxide cathode materials has broadened the voltage range and energy density, significant challenges persist. Key challenges include electrolyte degradation, transition metal dissolution, phase instability, and structural degradation under high cycling voltage. The review emphasizes innovative strategies to mitigate these limitations, including surface coating, elemental doping, novel binders, particle size modification, prelithiation, electrolyte formulation, etc. By addressing key challenges and proposing robust solutions, this work provides a roadmap for advancing LIB cathodes, driving further innovation toward safer, more efficient, cost‐effective, and high‐energy storage solutions.