국립 부경대학교

Prof. Oh Pil-Gun proposes research results on securing stability of lithium secondary batteries

- his paper published on <Small>, an international journal of materials

Pukyong National University announced that professor Oh Pil-Gun’s (dept. of nanotechnology engineering) research team recently published a study on the coating method for securing the stability of lithium secondary batteries in <Small> (Wiley, IF 15.153), a world-renowned academic journal of materials.

In this study conducted by professor Oh Pil-Gun at Pukyong National University with phd student Embleton Tom James (UK), he presented the results of a coating study for stabilization of the surface of Ni (nickel)-based layered anode material, and the results of the research were recognized by the academic community.

As the market for large-sized lithium secondary batteries has recently expanded, research to secure deterioration stability of lithium secondary battery cathode materials according to high-capacity characteristics, aiming at high energy and high stability, is a major concern.

Ni (nickel)-based layered cathode materials are mostly used in lithium secondary batteries currently, this cathode material reacts with carbon dioxide and moisture in the atmosphere to deteriorate the surface structure and form residual lithium, which causes problems that decrease the capacity and lifespan of the secondary battery.

Professor Oh Pil-Gun's research team applied a coating process to the surface of the anode material to prevent direct contact between the material and the electrolytes, thereby imparting electrochemical and physical stability.

As a result of the study, it was found that the cathode material subjected to the coating process not only withstands exposure to high-temperature and high-humidity environments, but also minimizes material deterioration during the storage and transportation of high-nickel cathode materials and the manufacturing process of secondary batteries at industrial sites.

Professor Oh Pil-Gun said, “This study is meaningful as a study that maximizes the performance of previously commercially available cathode materials. In this field, I believe that investment from the government and companies is also needed for research on converting current secondary particle-type materials into single particles and direct recycling research that heat-treats and reuses waste anode materials.”

As for this research, it is carried out with the support of the National research foundation of Korea's basic research lab project, which was selected in 2020 by professor Oh Pil-Gun's research team, and the project, ‘development of waste anode upcycling remanufacturing innovation technology for low-carbon circulation’ managed by the Korea institute of energy technology evaluation and planning, which started in 2022.