| Today's mobile devices such as laptop computers, media players, cameras, and even cutting edge automobiles, require a new, more robust grade of Li-ion batteries as a power source. Much research is being done on producing high energy density battery materials, while trying to maintain safety and industrial feasibility.;Currently, most commercial Li-ion batteries use either LiCoO2 based, or LiMnO2 based materials. These materials are industry standard, but display short lifetime, low energy density, and possible safety hazards. Novel materials such as LiMn2-xNixO4 and Li3V2(PO4)3 have been proposed as possible candidates for a commercialized battery material. LiMn2-x NixO4 uses manganese, which is of low toxicity and it is abundant as a resource. This material is modified by nickel doping from LiMn 2O4, to improve on its electrical conductivity and capacity. Li3V2(PO4)3 is another promising cathode material, contributing very high theoretical capacity of 197 mAh/g. Li3V2(PO4)3 is modified from LiV 2O5, which exhibits a low voltage profile and short lifespan. The addition of the phosphate group increases the safety of the material substantially, while still allowing the Li-ions to be highly mobile.;Mechanically mixing two different cathode materials to form a composite, to be used in a battery is explored. Combined Li3V2(PO 4)3 and LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 has promise as a cathode composite material, demonstrating a capacity of 126 mAh/g, with little capacity fading over time. Cycle profile shows expected Li-ions being extracted and reinserted in a common regime. Further research varying ratios, compositions, and methods can be explored. Composite cathode materials hold promise in that they can offer safe, affordable, high power solutions for consumer demands. |
