4. Interfacial and Structural Transformations in Ni-Rich Cathodes: A Roadmap Toward Chemical Stability.
Surasak Kaenket, Techin Mamiamuang, Nattanon Joraleechanchai, Jirawat Limphrasittisak, Purin Krapong, Worapol Tejangkura, Montree Sawangphruk.
Journal : Chemical Communications, 2026, (Nature index).
Impact Factor : 4.3, Q1 (87th), CiteScore : 10.2, H-index 387.
DOI : 10.1039/d5cc06328k.
Abstract : This review highlights Ni-rich layered oxide cathodes, such as LiNixMnγCozO2 (NMC) and LiNixCoyAlzO2 (NCA), where x ≥ 0.6, y + z ≤ 0.4, and x + y + z = 1, which have become the cornerstone of high-energy lithium-ion batteries due to their high specific capacities (>200 mA h g−1), reduced cobalt dependence, and compatibility with both cylindrical and pouch-cell formats. However, as Ni content exceeds 80%, these materials suffer from coupled chemical and mechanical degradation—cation disorder, oxygen loss, and interfacial instability—that limits lifetime and safety. This feature article presents a comprehensive roadmap linking the mechanistic origins of degradation to scalable mitigation strategies, bridging fundamental insights and technology readiness level (TRL) 9 implementation. At the lattice level, antisite defects (Ni2+/Li+ mixing) and anisotropic H2–H3 phase transitions generate microstrain and intergranular cracking, which are effectively mitigated through bulk doping (e.g., W6+, Ti4+, Zr4+, Sc3+), co-doping, and single-crystal or columnar morphologies that distribute internal stress. At the electronic level, excessive delithiation triggers oxygen redox and lattice-oxygen release, initiating chemomechanical collapse and surface rock-salt reconstruction. Countermeasures include oxygen-constraining coatings, Li2NiO2 prelithiation, and redox-buffering additives (e.g., LiFePO4 blending). At the interface, parasitic reactions with carbonate electrolytes produce resistive cathode–electrolyte interphases (CEIs) and gas evolution. Stabilization is achieved via fluorine-rich electrolytes, hybrid compartmentalized systems, and MOF-functionalized separators, which suppress HF formation and transition-metal dissolution. The article further highlights emerging manufacturing-compatible solutions—including solvent-free mechanofusion coatings, spatial atomic layer deposition, facing-target sputtering, and wet-chemical nanoshell growth—that integrate surface and bulk stabilization. These approaches not only improve high-voltage cycling (>4.5 V) but also meet industrial scalability and sustainability goals through direct regeneration and closed-loop cathode recycling. By unifying lattice, oxygen, and interfacial stabilization into a coherent framework, this roadmap provides actionable guidance for designing next-generation Ni-rich cathodes that achieve long-term durability, high safety, and industrial manufacturability for the global electrification era.
3. Graphene in energy harvesting devices.
Montree Sawangphruk.
Graphene: Synthesis, Properties, Technology and Applications, 2026, 157-183.
Abstract : This chapter provides a comprehensive role of graphene in energy-harvesting devices, covering its integration into various technologies and applications. Starting with the introduction of graphene and its exceptional properties, this book delves into its potential in enhancing photovoltaic cells by improving efficiency and performance through the use of transparent graphene electrodes as well as in heterojunction and organic solar cells. The book then examined the role of graphene in supercapacitors, highlighting its contribution to increased energy density, faster charge/discharge rates, and enhanced durability. Employing graphene in lithium-ion batteries is also discussed, emphasizing its potential to improve the capacity, charge times, and overall performance through innovative anode and cathode materials. Thermoelectric devices benefit from graphene’s superior thermal and electrical conductivities, with applications in waste heat recovery and power generation. Graphene-enhanced piezoelectric and triboelectric devices have been explored, demonstrating their ability to efficiently harvest mechanical energy. Real-world applications and case studies illustrate the practical impact of graphene-based energy solutions from wearable electronics to renewable energy systems. The book addresses the challenges of large-scale integration, material compatibility, and environmental sustainability and outlines future research directions focusing on material innovation and scalable production techniques. Finally, the book highlights the potential global impact of graphene-based energy-harvesting devices on energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, and green society.
2. Decoupling Oxygen Redox from O₂ Release in Li-and Mn-Rich Layered Cathodes: Mechanisms, Metrics, and Design Rules.
Techin Mamiamuang and Montree Sawangphruk.
Journal : Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 2026.
Impact Factor : 9.5, Q1, CiteScore : 16.7, H-index 318.
DOI : 10.1039/D5TA07671D.
Abstract : Lithium- and manganese-rich (LMR) layered oxides can deliver >250 mAh g⁻¹ by engaging anionic (oxygen) redox, yet their promise is undermined when oxygen redox couples to O₂ formation, triggering transition-metal migration, layered→spinel/rock-salt reconstruction, interfacial breakdown, and voltage fade. This review reframes LMR development around a single objective—decouple reversible oxygen redox from O₂ release—and organizes the field into mechanisms, metrics, and design rules. We first clarify the mechanistic pathways that produce oxidized-oxygen species versus molecular O₂ and map how these pathways propagate stress, porosity/voids, and interfacial reactivity. We then define a decision-grade metric set to distinguish O-redox from O₂ evolution under practical conditions, including gas quantification at realistic cutoffs (≥4.5 V), operando O-species fingerprints (e.g., RIXS/¹⁷O probes), proxies for transition-metal migration, and tracking of microstructural change (voids, reconstruction, impedance growth). Finally, we translate diagnostics into actionable design rules spanning (i) bulk/composition (Mn-valence control, Li/TM ordering, concentration gradients, high-entropy chemistries), (ii) architecture and interfaces (primary-particle coatings; thin, Li⁺-conductive, acid-scavenging layers; oxygen-tolerant CEIs), and (iii) electrolytes (fluorinated and localized-high-concentration systems with targeted additives). Emerging concepts—dynamic oxygen buffers, self-regenerating interphases, and solid/gel interlayers—are assessed against application-relevant benchmarks (areal loading, temperature, gas evolution, N/P balancing, scalable synthesis). We conclude with prioritized experiments and go/no-go criteria to accelerate durable, high-voltage LMR commercialization.
1. Influence of atomic layer deposition on nickel hydroxide phase transitions in nickel foam.
Samutr Assavachin, Surat Prempluem, Somlak Ittisanronnachai, Sukritta Janprakhon, Montree Sawangphruk.
Journal : Electrochemistry Communications, 2026, 108091.
Impact Factor : 4.2, CiteScore : 7.6, H-index 219.
DOI : 10.1016/j.elecom.2025.108091.
Abstract : This study investigates how Al2O3 and V2O5 coatings deposited on nickel foam by atomic layer deposition (ALD) modifies its electrochemical phase evolution in alkaline media. Phase transitions and surface kinetics were characterized using cyclic voltammetry (CV), in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and Tafel analysis. Bare NF exhibits a positive cathodic peak shift for α-Ni(OH)2 formation over 100 CV cycles attributed to surface activation. NF coated with Al2O3 (NF-A) showed a larger shift (+90 mV) indicating enhanced charge transfer kinetics and reduced energy barrier. In contrast, V2O5-coated NF (NF-V) showed no shift suggesting a suppressed surface kinetics. These shifts disappear at higher scan rates suggesting a kinetic effect rather than a diffusion-induced behavior. Tafel and EIS measurements show that NF-A has the lowest charge transfer resistance, while NF-V exhibits the largest resistance. In situ XRD provides direct evidence for α-Ni(OH)2 formation during extended cycling under alkaline conditions. These results demonstrate that different ALD coatings can selectively modulate surface kinetics and phase accessibility of nickel foam which can contribute to the design of nickel-based electrodes for phase-specific electrochemical applications.
