Co-Free Cathodes with Fluorine-free Electrolytes for Next-Generation Lithium Batteries

High-energy density, critical material-free lithium batteries require innovative electrolytes to meet the evolving performance demands of modern

applications. This collaborative effort aims to develop novel fluorine-free electrolyte formulations tailored for high-performance nickel-rich, cobalt-free

cathodes in prototype lithium batteries. Leveraging the R&D capabilities of Deakin University and IIT Madras, the project will focus on synthesizing new

electrolyte formulations using fluorine-free lithium salts with functionalized anions, alongside optimized nickel-rich and cobalt-free cathode materials.

These prototype batteries will be tested under high voltage and extreme fast charge/discharge conditions, enhancing the cathode-electrolyte interface

and addressing a critical gap in modern battery research. The collaboration between IIT Madras and Deakin University aims to systematically tackle this

need through the following objectives: Objective 1: This work package focuses on the synthesis, morphological optimization, physicochemical

characterization, and electrochemical evaluation of high-energy density Ni-rich, Co-free cathodes. Techniques such as electron microscopy

(SEM/HRTEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) will optimize morphology, crystallography, and surface-specific

chemical species. Electrochemical evaluation will use cyclic voltammetry (CV), charge/discharge (CD), and impedance spectroscopy (EIS) with

commercial electrolytes in half-cell configurations for benchmarking. These cathodes will be synthesized by the HDR student and evaluated at IIT

Madras under the supervision of Dr Muralidharan. Objective 2: This package aims to synthesize novel electrolytes using fluorine-free lithium salts and

ionic liquids developed at Deakin by Dr Kar’s research team. The HDR student will work closely with Dr Kar to study the physicochemical properties as a

function of lithium salt content in electrolytes to understand the structure-property relationships, optimizing lithium transport properties. FT-IR and XRD

will characterize the new salts, while CV techniques will assess the electrochemical stability of the electrolytes. Comprehensive physico-chemical and

electrochemical analyses will be conducted at Deakin-IFM. Objective 3: Using the optimized materials from Objective 1 and Objective 2, this package will

evaluate the long-term compatibility of the selected cathodes and electrolyte formulations in prototype full cells. Using the capabilities of Battery

Research and Innovation Hub (BattRI-Hub) at Deakin University, the student will fabricate full lithium batteries with graphite/lithium anodes will be

assembled and tested under standard and extreme fast charge (XFC) cycling conditions. Post-test diagnostics will analyze electrode surfaces using SEM

and EDX to study battery failure mechanisms, while XPS will characterize electrolyte degradation. Both collaborating organizations will perform

complementary diagnostics to explore interactions between the IIT Madras-synthesized cathodes and Deakin-formulated electrolytes