High-Energy Density Li-Ion Battery Cathode Using Only Industrial Elements

Abstract

Li-ion batteries are crucial for the global energy transition to renewables; however, their scalability is limited by the supply of key elements used in commercial cathodes (e.g., Ni, Mn, Co, P). Therefore, there is an urgent need for next-generation cathodes composed of widely available and industrially scalable elements. Here, we introduce a Li-rich cathode based on the known material Li₂FeS₂, composed of low-cost elements (Al, Fe, S) that are globally mined and refined at an industrial scale. The substitution of redox-inactive Al³⁺ for Fe²⁺ achieves remarkably high degrees of anion redox, which, in turn, yields high gravimetric capacity (≈450 mAh·g^–1) and energy density (≳1000 Wh·kg^–1). We show that Al³⁺ enables high degrees of delithiation by stabilizing the delithiated state, suppressing phase transformations that would otherwise prevent deep delithiation and extensive anion redox. This mechanistic insight offers new possibilities for developing scalable, next-generation Li-ion battery cathodes to meet pressing societal needs.