AZoM Reports Thiourea Coating Boosts Lithium-Rich Cathode Capacity Retention to 97% After 600 Cycles, Revolutionizing Solid-State Battery Performance

July 19, 2026

AZoM Unknown

Overview

Researchers have developed a thiourea-derived coating for lithium-rich manganese oxide (LRMO) cathodes, significantly improving their performance in solid-state batteries. This surface engineering method achieved an initial discharge capacity of 220.2 mAh g⁻¹ and an outstanding 97% capacity retention after 600 cycles at 1C in lab-scale half-cells. The coating forms a sulfur-rich outer layer for chemical protection and a manganese-rich spinel layer for 3D Li-ion diffusion, enhancing interfacial stability and ion transport.

In Depth

Key Findings

Researchers have developed a novel thiourea-derived coating technology that dramatically improves the performance of lithium-rich manganese oxide (LRMO) cathodes used in solid-state batteries. Applying this advanced surface engineering method resulted in an initial discharge capacity of 220.2 mAh g⁻¹ in laboratory-scale half-cell tests. Crucially, the cells demonstrated an exceptionally high capacity retention of 97% after 600 cycles at a 1C rate. This breakthrough represents a significant step forward for the long-term stability and practical application of all-solid-state batteries.

Technical Details

Lithium-rich manganese oxide (LRMO) is a promising next-generation cathode material due to its high energy density, but it has been challenged by capacity degradation and voltage fade during cycling. Specifically, parasitic side reactions and structural changes at the interface with solid electrolytes have been major contributors to performance loss. The newly developed thiourea coating creates a dual-layer structure on the LRMO cathode surface. First, a sulfur-rich outer layer acts as a chemical protective barrier, suppressing undesirable reactions with the electrolyte. Beneath this, a manganese-rich spinel layer forms, which provides a three-dimensional pathway for efficient lithium ion diffusion. This combined action enhances interfacial stability and maintains the structural integrity of the cathode material, leading to superior capacity retention and stable cycling performance.

Background & Context

With increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and portable electronic devices, there is a growing need for batteries with higher energy density, longer lifespan, and enhanced safety. LRMO cathodes have been extensively studied as a promising alternative to existing nickel-rich cathodes due to their high lithium storage capacity. However, their cycle stability issues have hampered widespread adoption. In the context of all-solid-state battery applications, interfacial stability between the solid electrolyte and cathode is paramount. This thiourea coating technology successfully unlocks the full potential of LRMO cathodes, marking a significant advancement towards the commercialization of solid-state batteries.

Strategic Significance & Outlook

This thiourea coating technology is a powerful tool for significantly improving the performance of lithium-rich cathodes and accelerating the practical application of all-solid-state batteries. The high capacity retention of 97% expands its applicability for long-life EVs and industrial applications requiring frequent charge-discharge cycles. Future challenges will involve scaling up this coating technology and establishing cost-effective manufacturing methods for commercialization. This breakthrough sets a new direction for next-generation battery material development and is expected to contribute to the realization of a sustainable energy society.

Source: https://www.azom.com/news.aspx?newsID=65626

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