Reviewed by Lexie CornerMar 13 2025
Researchers from The University of Texas at Austin and Argonne National Laboratory are investigating nickel-based cathodes to improve cycle life, thermal stability, and safety, which are key challenges in battery energy storage.
Image Credit: The University of Texas at Austin.
Nickel is expected to play a significant role in the future of electric vehicle batteries. It is more abundant and accessible than cobalt, while also offering higher energy density for a longer driving range.
High-nickel cathodes have the potential to revolutionize the EV market by providing longer driving ranges. Our study provides a comprehensive analysis of their thermal stability, which is crucial for developing safer batteries.
Arumugam Manthiram, Professor, Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin
Arumugam Manthiram is also associated with the Texas Materials Institute.
The Research
The research team conducted over 500 measurements on 15 high-nickel cathode materials to identify a critical state of charge that defines their safe operating limit. This limit is determined by factors like metal-oxygen bond strength and surface reactivity.
Exceeding this limit can lead to instability, potentially causing thermal runaway. Thermal runaway occurs when rising temperatures release energy, further heating the battery and increasing the risk of failure or fire.
The researchers also developed a thermal stability index to quantify the material's behavior during thermal runaway. Key factors influencing thermal stability include composition, surface chemistry, nickel content, and crystal size.
Why it Matters
This research contributes to the development of safer, more efficient batteries, addressing the increasing demand for electric vehicles. As the world transitions to cleaner energy solutions, these advancements are crucial for improving EV viability and consumer appeal.
Our work provides a roadmap for the industry to follow, ensuring that the high energy density of these cathodes does not come at the cost of safety.
Zehao Cui, Research Associate, University of Texas at Austin
What is Next
The researchers will continue their work on thermal stability and cathodes, with plans to incorporate electrolytes into their study next.
Electrolytes, typically liquid-based chemical components, transport charge-carrying ions during the charge and discharge process. Ensuring stable interactions between electrolytes and cathodes is crucial for improving battery safety.
Journal Reference:
Cui, Z., et al. (2025) Navigating thermal stability intricacies of high-nickel cathodes for high-energy lithium batteries. Nature Energy. doi.org/10.1038/s41560-025-01731-x.