The Invention 

High-capacity, rechargeable cathodes made of stable di-lithium layered compounds (Li₂MO₂) (M=Li, Ni, Mn) for use in Li batteries. The electrode capacities exceed 500 mAhg-1 when two lithium cations are cycled, giving this material very high energy. Li₂MO₂ is a good chemical precursor to fabricate cathodes with new composite layered LiMO₂ or LiM₂O₄ spinel structures that possess excellent cycling reversibility. Li₂MO₂ can also be used as a reversible anode when cycled below 1.5 V.

Benefits 

• Li₂MO₂, as a layered precursor chemical, can be used to create LiMO₂ composite cathodes with high-capacity and high energy which are superior to state-of-the-art layered lithium/cobalt/nickel/oxide cathodes. 
• Layered Li₂MO₂ cathodes possess capacities of 500 mAhg-1 which are much higher than current Li-ion batteries. Because of this, the voltage of the electrochemical reactions can be raised to produce batteries with high energy densities. 
• Manganese, nickel and lithium are used in the compounds, avoiding the use of cobalt, which is expensive and toxic. 
• Low-cost synthesis of Li₂MO₂ by chemical or electrochemical lithiation is a new approach to make cathodes that last longer with low energy losses. 

Applications and Industries 

Electrodes used in batteries for 

• Electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles; 
• Portable electronic devices; 
• Medical devices; and 
• Space, aeronautical, and defense-related devices.