Researchers at Seoul National University of Science and Technology have introduced a new anode design approach that could help create safer, longer-lasting, and faster-charging lithium-ion batteries. The technology targets a major challenge in current battery systems: instability during rapid charging, which can cause lithium plating, faster degradation, and potential safety issues.
The study focuses on lithium titanium phosphate (LTP), a NASICON-type anode material valued for its thermal stability and fast lithium-ion movement. Despite these advantages, LTP has faced challenges in practical use because of limited ionic conductivity and reduced performance under high-speed charging conditions.
To improve its performance, the researchers developed an off-stoichiometric LTP structure by increasing the phosphorus content relative to titanium. This adjustment creates titanium-deficient regions that form titanium phosphate (TPO)-rich areas on the surface of LTP particles. These regions provide faster pathways for lithium-ion movement, lowering resistance at the electrode interface and enabling quicker charging.
The modified structure also improves the material’s durability. The phosphorus-oxygen-phosphorus bonds in the TPO-rich areas help absorb structural changes caused by repeated charging cycles, preventing damage to the NASICON framework and maintaining battery performance over time.
Tests showed that the new off-stoichiometric LTP-carbon (OS-LTP/C) anode delivered strong fast-charging capability. It retained about 86% of its original capacity even when charged at a high 10C rate, while conventional LTP-based anodes experienced much greater performance loss. The material also remained stable for more than 250 charge-discharge cycles.
The researchers confirmed that the improved anode could work effectively with high-voltage cathode materials in full-cell batteries. This new design strategy could support the development of next-generation lithium-ion batteries with faster charging speeds, improved safety, and longer lifespans for electric vehicles, portable devices, and high-power energy storage systems.
