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Deep Dive – Recent Patents & Innovations in Ni-based Cathode Materials
Version: 2024-12-26, for paid subscribers
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Introduction
Recent innovations in nickel-based cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries reflect a product development community wrestling with multiple competing priorities: higher energy density, improved longevity, reduced raw material and process costs, and enhanced sustainability. This review analyzes patent filings and public disclosures from 2023 onwards to identify emerging patterns in how leading battery manufacturers, materials companies, and startups are addressing these challenges, in several cases in collaboration with academic research groups.
The analysis reveals 14 key concepts shaping the evolution of cathode materials (Figure A-1).
Figure A-1: technology decision tree – 14 commercially relevant concepts related to Ni-based active materials for positive Li-ion battery electrodes, identified in patent families published since 2023 (publication date of first patent family member, 2 additional earlier patent families and 2 commercialization efforts identified in public reports other than patents are included in Figures D-2 to D-15 that cover each of the 14 concepts)
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The sections below are included in the full version.
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The Future Market Acceptance of Nickel-based Cathode Materials Depends on which Electrolyte will Predominate – Liquid Carbonate-based, Semi-solid or All-solid
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A Detailed Look at Product & Process Development Concepts
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Figure A-2: technology decision tree – multi-element doping approaches for NMC
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Figure A-3: technology decision tree – mid-nickel NMC-based active materials
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Figure A-4: technology decision tree – gradient or core-shell particle architectures
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Figure A-5: technology decision tree – cobalt-free materials
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Figure A-6: technology decision tree – LRLO (lithium-rich layered oxides)
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Figure A-7: technology decision tree – Ni-Mn spinels
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Figure A-8: technology decision tree – single-crystal synthesis
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Figure A-9: technology decision tree – coating of high-nickel materials
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Figure A-10: technology decision tree – cobalt surface enrichment
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Figure A-11: technology decision tree – novel synthetic processes
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Figure A-12: technology decision tree – blends of different active material classes
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Figure A-13: technology decision tree – optimized synthesis incorporating recycled materials
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Figure A-14: technology decision tree – dry or almost dry electrode manufacturing
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Figure A-15: technology decision tree – active materials for solid-state Li-ion batteries
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Outlook
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Cells with Liquid Carbonate-based Electrolytes
- High-energy
- Low-cost
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Cells with Semi-solid Electrolytes
- High-energy
- Low-cost
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Cells with All-solid Electrolytes
- High-energy
- Low-cost
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Addendum (with links to sections above)
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Patent Summaries Added During Preparation of This Deep Dive
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Triweekly Patent Updates – Lithium-ion Batteries – Positive Electrode – Nickel-based Active Materials – 2023-01-10 until 2024-12-03
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Document size: 3,398 words, 16 figures, (plus addendum with summaries for patents of key commercial players: 15,671 words, 29 figures, 4 tables)
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