Presentation Title: Intralattice-bonded phase-engineered ultrahigh-Ni single-crystalline cathodes suppress strain evolution

Abstract: 

      Single crystallization remains a debated strategy for advancing Ni-rich cathode materials. While it mitigates particle cracking and improves tap density by eliminating particle boundaries, extended diffusion pathways introduce volumetric and lattice distortions, compromising electrochemical and structural stability. These challenges hinder the commercialization of high-Ni single-crystal cathodes, calling for a reassessment of their viability. Here we report a structural design: intralattice-bonded phase single-crystal LiNi_0.92Co_0.03Mn_0.05O₂ (IBP-SC92). This architecture maintains structural integrity while shortening diffusion pathways, resulting in almost zero electrochemical degradation during cycling. The robust structure and fast ion transport mitigate lattice strain, as confirmed by multiscale high-resolution diffraction and imaging techniques, preventing intragranular cracks and irreversible phase transitions. As a result, IBP-SC92 shows outstanding cycling stability, with nearly 100% capacity retention after 100 cycles in half cells and 94.5% retention after 1,000 cycles in full cells. This redefined single-crystal cathode represents a significant step towards the industrial adoption of high-energy-density materials.

Biography: 

      Dr. Qimeng Zhang received his Ph.D. degree from South China University of Technology in 2025 under the supervision of Prof. Chenghao Yang. His research interests lie in the structural design, interfacial engineering, and scalable synthesis of advanced electrode materials for lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. He has conducted comprehensive studies on high-performance cathode materials, including Ni-rich layered oxides and polyanionic compounds. He has published over 30 SCI-indexed papers, including more than 10 first-author articles in prestigious journals such as Nature Energy, Angewandte Chemie International Edition, Advanced Materials, Advanced Energy Materials, and Advanced Functional Materials. He has been awarded two Chinese invention patents, led a research project funded by the Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation, and was selected for the National Postdoctoral Program for Innovative Talents (Category A) in 2026.