Cathode Active Materials
Cathode active materials (CAMs) are a key component in any battery. In the rapidly evolving world of energy storge, our high purity metal oxides meet the increasing demand for reliable, safe, and affordable lithium battery technology. Our selection of lithium-ion cathode active materials includes the six main types: LFP, LMO, LCO, NMC, NCA, NCM, as well as the newer LNMO.
Lithium-based cathode active materials are present in discharged battery cells in their lithiated form. Conversely in charged cells they are found in their delithiated form. It is the primary component responsible for energy storage as it directly dictates how many lithium ions can be stored and released. As a result cathode active materials are typically required in large quantities.
Key Features and Applications
- Different multi-metal oxide material composition offers varied characteristics:
- Manganese, cobalt and iron for safety - Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC), Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4)
- Nickel for high capacity - NMC, Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (NCA)
- Aluminum for high power - NCA
- Our range of high quality cathode active materials includes the bench mark materials lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) and lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4 / LFP), renowned for their high specific and volumetric energy density.
- For electric vehicles, ternary oxide lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) has displayed great advantages with relatively high energy density, low cost, low toxicity, and cycle stability.
Jump to: Browse Cathode Active Materials | Choose the Right Battery Material | Resources and Support
Browse Cathode Active Materials
Related categories: battery materials, anode materials
Choose the Right Cathode Active Material
It is important to consider the application of the battery when deciding on the right cathode active material for your research. Each material has a different chemical composition and structure which is designed to benefit the different properties of a battery. These properties can range from increased ion mobility to allow for faster charging/discharging, to increased chemical stability to enhance cycle life.
Cathode Active Materials by Properties
| Battery Material | Voltage (V) | Specific Capacity (mAh/g) | Cycle Life |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCA | 4.7 V | 194 | 500 Cycles |
| LNMO | 4.7 V |
146.8 (Theoretical) 103 (Experimental) |
92% retention after 1000 cycles |
| NCM523 | 4.3 V | 154 | 76.9% retention after 400 cycles at 3C |
| LiCoO2 | 4.0 – 4.2 V |
274 (Theoretical) 165 (Experimental) |
500 – 1000 Cycles |
| LMO | 4.0 V | 105 | 300 – 700 Cycles |
| NMC811 | 3.8 V | 200 | 1000 – 2000 Cycles |
| LiFePO4 | 3.2 V | 155.5 | ~ 1500 Cycles |
Cathode Active Materials by Application
| Hybrid Electric and Electric Vehicles | Energy Storage and Renewable Energy | Consumer Electronics | Power Tools | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Resources and Support
What is an NCA Battery?
The NCA battery gets its name from the cathode active material, lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (LiNixCoyAlzO2, where x+y+z=1) which gets shortened to nickel cobalt aluminum (NCA). NCA is the cathode active material with a specific ratio of metals.
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What is an LFP Battery?
An LFP battery gets its name from it’s key material component, lithium iron phosphate powder, which has the chemical formula LiFePO4. It is also known as lithium ferro phosphate which gets shortened to LFP, hence the name.
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What is a Battery C-Rate?
C-rate refers to the rate at which a battery charges or discharges relative to its maximum capacity. In other words, the speed at which delithiation and lithiation occurs in a lithium-ion battery. The higher the C-rate the faster charging or discharging occurs.
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Thermal Runaway: Why do Li-ion batteries catch fire?
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries can catch fire due to a process known as thermal runaway, which is triggered by various factors and involves a series of heat-releasing reactions. While Li-ion batteries are widely used in laptops, cameras, and electric vehicles (EVs) such as scooters and cars, their rise in popularity has not been without issues. In the UK alone, fire services responded to 921 lithium-ion battery fires in 2023, a 46% increase from the previous year.
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