Probing the Chemical and Structural Stability of Oxide Cathodes Using a Surface Model Reaction

Waters, Crystal

As the demand for batteries grows, there is a need for scientists to catapult efforts into further understanding surface structure and electronic properties in Li-based, layered transition metal oxide (TMO) materials. This research hypothesizes potential surface oxygen and electron transfer pathways by using benzyl alcohol oxidation as a model surface reaction.

There are many opposing theories that arise about the mechanism by which oxygen and electrons are transferred between the cathode and electrolyte. To fill the knowledge gap, a common Li-based TMO was explored using extensive X-ray spectroscopy and electron microscopy analysis to investigate the structure – activity relationship. The work proposed assists in (1) designing a model to study oxygen pathways by using a surface probe reaction, (2) determining surface electronic changes after probing, and (3) hypothesizing a mechanism for the oxygen transfer at the oxide cathode surface. This study provides a chemical basis for improved battery materials design. Conclusions from this work will assist in rationalizing the cathode-organic molecule interactions. In efforts to promote green chemistry methods, this work also hypothesizes avenues to repurpose recycled battery materials in catalytic regimes.