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Kosmotropic aqueous processing solution for green lithium battery cathode manufacturing

Author

Listed:
  • Jung-Hui Kim

    (Yonsei University)

  • Won-Yeong Kim

    (Yonsei University)

  • Sebin Kim

    (Seoul National University)

  • Jeongdong Kim

    (Yonsei University)

  • Seok-Ju Lee

    (Yonsei University)

  • Namjun Park

    (Seoul National University)

  • Sun-Phil Han

    (Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST))

  • Kun Ryu

    (The University of Chicago)

  • Junghwan Kim

    (Yonsei University)

  • Won Bo Lee

    (Seoul National University)

  • Sang-Young Lee

    (Yonsei University
    Yonsei University)

Abstract

The global pursuit of carbon neutrality is driving efforts toward environmentally friendly aqueous electrode manufacturing. However, the inherent chemical reactivity of water with cathode materials remains a challenge to achieving this goal. Here, we design a class of aqueous processing solutions based on the kosmotropic effect. Ion hydration shells in the kosmotropic solutions are restructured to form an ordered state of anion–water clusters and to stabilize local hydration structure adjacent to cathode materials. Consequently, interfacial side reactions and structural degradation of Ni-rich cathode materials are mitigated. The kosmotropic solution-processed LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathode achieve high specific and areal capacities (≥ 205 mAh g–1 and ≥ 3.7 mAh cm–2) together with stable cyclability, which are comparable to those of commercial N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP)-processed cathodes. Techno-economic analysis demonstrates that this kosmotropic solution approach reduces energy consumption in battery manufacturing by 46% compared to the NMP-based process, highlighting its practical and sustainable viability.

Suggested Citation

  • Jung-Hui Kim & Won-Yeong Kim & Sebin Kim & Jeongdong Kim & Seok-Ju Lee & Namjun Park & Sun-Phil Han & Kun Ryu & Junghwan Kim & Won Bo Lee & Sang-Young Lee, 2025. "Kosmotropic aqueous processing solution for green lithium battery cathode manufacturing," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-56831-9
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56831-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. F. Degen & M. Winter & D. Bendig & J. Tübke, 2023. "Energy consumption of current and future production of lithium-ion and post lithium-ion battery cells," Nature Energy, Nature, vol. 8(11), pages 1284-1295, November.
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