Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0708-9255
Date Available
12-4-2026
Year of Publication
2024
Document Type
Doctoral Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
College
Arts and Sciences
Department/School/Program
Physics and Astronomy
Advisor
Dr. Yang-Tse Cheng
Co-Director of Graduate Studies
Dr. Ganpathy Murthy
Abstract
Lithium-ion batteries with higher capacity, energy density, powder density, and longer cycle life are essential as secondary energy sources for various applications, including the electric vehicle industry. LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) is recognized as the next-generation cathode material due to its specific capacity, making it highly desirable for electric vehicles. This dissertation is dedicated to enhancing the safety, performance, and cost-effectiveness of NMC811-based batteries.
Firstly, a study is presented on improving the performance and safety of NMC811||Li cells using a zeolite-coated separator instead of a polypropylene separator, which can impact lithium plating morphology, i.e., dendrite growth morphology, thus delaying dendrite penetration. Dendrites, thin whiskers, can pose safety concerns by penetrating the separator and leading to a short-circuit within the cell. Zeolites are porous aluminosilicates known for their porosity, ion exchange capacity, and excellent electrolyte wetting. This study demonstrates that when coated on the polypropylene separator, zeolite particles can absorb more electrolyte, improving Li+ diffusion through the separator and resulting in uniform Li plating morphology.
Secondly, the focus is on improving the rate performance of NMC811 electrodes by adding zeolite particles. Although NMC811 shows promise as a cathode material for EVs due to its high capacity, it suffers from poor rate capability performance at faster charge/discharge rates due to its high electrode thickness (~85 µm). The Li diffusion process significantly slows down for such high-energy electrodes at faster rates. This study reveals that zeolite-mixed NMC electrodes exhibit superior capacity retention at high C-rates. It is hypothesized that zeolite particles can hold more electrolyte due to their porous nature and high electrolyte affinity, acting as Li+ reservoirs and resulting in improved capacity retention at high C-rates. We also show that zeolite can effectively prevent HF related degradation of NMC811 particles by scavenging HF generated within the cells.
Thirdly, a collaborative study investigates the differences between solvent-based (slurry-made) and solvent-free (dry-made) NMC electrodes in half-cell and full-cell configurations. The electrode manufacturing process can significantly impact battery costs, and this study discusses how transitioning to dry electrode processing can eliminate the solvent recovery process associated with solvent-based electrode manufacturing, thereby significantly impacting battery costs. Solvent recovery in traditional electrode manufacturing typically constitutes 9-10% of the battery pack’s total cost. The study shows that dry-made NMC811 electrodes have similar long-term capacity retention in full-cells and even demonstrate stronger adhesion with the electrode substrate.
I believe that the insights from this thesis will benefit both academic research and industry applications, driving advancements in energy storage technology.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2024.420
Recommended Citation
Sharma, Bhamiti, "EXPLORING THE USE OF ZEOLITE AND MANUFACTURING PROCESSES TO IMPROVE THE PERFORMANCE AND DURABILITY OF HIGH LOADING LITHIUM ION BATTERIES" (2024). Theses and Dissertations--Physics and Astronomy. 125.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/physastron_etds/125
Included in
Ceramic Materials Commons, Engineering Physics Commons, Oil, Gas, and Energy Commons, Other Chemical Engineering Commons, Other Materials Science and Engineering Commons
