Pukyong National University Professor Oh Pil-geon Proposes Research on Securing Lithium Secondary Battery Safety

Professor Pilgeon Oh's research team from the Department of Nano Convergence Engineering at Pukyong National University recently announced on the 5th that their study on coating methods to ensure the stability of lithium secondary batteries was published in the world-renowned materials science journal 'Small' (Wiley, IF 15.153).

In this study conducted together with PhD student Tom James Embleton, Professor Oh presented research results on coating for surface stabilization of Ni (nickel)-based layered cathode materials, gaining recognition for their achievements.

According to Pukyong National University, as the large-scale lithium secondary battery market expands recently, research to secure thermal stability of cathode materials for lithium secondary batteries with high capacity characteristics aiming for high energy and high stability has become a major focus.

Currently, Ni (nickel)-based layered cathode materials are the most widely used in lithium secondary batteries. However, these cathode materials react with carbon dioxide and moisture in the atmosphere, degrading the surface structure and forming residual lithium, which reduces battery capacity and lifespan.

Professor Oh Pil-geon (left) of the Department of Nano Convergence Engineering at Pukyong National University, Tom James Embleton, PhD candidate.

Professor Oh's research team applied a coating process to the surface of these cathode materials to prevent direct contact between the material and the electrolyte, thereby providing electrochemical and physical stability.

The results showed that the coated cathode materials could withstand exposure to high-temperature and humid environments and minimize material degradation during storage, transportation of high-nickel cathode materials, and the manufacturing process of secondary batteries in industrial settings.

Professor Oh stated, “This research is significant as it maximizes the performance of existing commercial cathode materials. Investment from the government and companies is also needed for research on converting current secondary particle-type materials into single particles and for direct recycling research that reuses waste cathode materials through heat treatment.”

This research was conducted with support from the Basic Research Laboratory program selected by Professor Oh's team in 2020 and the project “Development of Upcycling Remanufacturing Innovation Technology for Waste Cathode Materials for Low-Carbon Circulation” initiated in 2022 by the Korea Energy Technology Evaluation Institute.