Abstract
The article discusses the prospects for developing lithium-ion batteries, emphasizing lithium-enriched transition metal oxides used as cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIB). The primary focus is on materials with the formula xLi₂MnO₃⋅(1−x)LiMO₂ (where M=Mn, Ni, and Co) that exhibit high discharge capacity (over 250 mAh/g) and specific energy (over 950 Wh/kg), surpassing traditional cathode materials such as LiCoO₂, LiMn₂O₄, and LiFePO₄. These oxides combine the monoclinic phase of Li₂MnO₃ and the trigonal phase of LiMO₂, which ensures their high performance. However, the authors note several problems, including low speed characteristics, irreversible capacity of the first cycle, and degradation of voltage and capacity during cycling. These problems are linked to the creation of spinel-like structures, unwanted reactions at the surface with the electrolyte, and the release of oxygen. The authors propose modification methods like protective coatings, alloying, and the creation of composite structures to enhance the characteristics. The article also includes an overview of other common cathode materials such as LiCoO₂, LiMn₂O₄, LiNiO₂ and their combinations, highlighting their advantages and limitations. Special attention is paid to promising materials, including LiNi₁/₃Co₁/₃Mn₁/₃O₂ and LiFePO₄, which have balanced electrochemical and economic properties. It was also emphasised that further research is needed to understand the degradation mechanisms and optimise the structure of lithium-enriched oxides. Resolving these issues can help create better and more reliable cathode materials for LIB, which is crucial for advancing electric vehicles and other energy-intensive technologies.