The University of Oxford and University College London (UCL) are collaborating on a new project, 3D-CAT, which aims to develop lithium battery cathode materials that do not require cobalt or nickel. The project is part of a broader investment by the Faraday Institution, an independent UK research body focused on electrochemical energy storage.
The goal is to address industry challenges linked to the cost and environmental impact of using cobalt and nickel in batteries. Alternatives such as lithium iron phosphate and lithium manganese iron phosphate have been considered, but they currently offer lower energy densities compared to cobalt- and nickel-based cathodes. Researchers are now focusing on developing new materials that can match the performance of existing options without relying on expensive or difficult-to-source precursors.
One area of interest is lithium-rich disordered rocksalts, which have high energy densities but suffer from poor rate performance and are difficult to produce at scale due to energy-intensive manufacturing methods. The 3D-CAT team plans to improve understanding of these materials’ local structure in order to enhance their commercial viability.
"This funding will enable us to develop a deeper understanding of local structure in disordered Li-rich cathodes and unlock the full potential of this novel class of battery materials for commercial use," said Professor Robert House from Oxford’s Department of Materials.
Research led by the Faraday Institution’s CATMAT project has shown that introducing partial ordering in these materials can significantly improve lithium-ion transport. This discovery suggests it may be possible to create a new class of three-dimensional cathode materials that combine high performance with scalable, energy-efficient manufacturing.
Over the next three years, researchers will examine how local ordering affects lithium-ion transport and rate capability, taking into account factors such as particle size and morphology. Oxford’s Centre for Energy Materials Research (CEMR) and Materials Modelling Laboratory (MML) will support development and testing of prototype cathode materials.
Professor Jim Naismith, Head of the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division at Oxford, commented: "This project brings together brilliant minds, cutting-edge science and strong partnerships with industry to tackle one of today’s most pressing challenges—how to store energy cheaply and efficiently."
The team will also investigate sustainable synthesis routes for these new materials and explore whether conductive coatings could further improve battery performance over time.
Professor House added: "3D-CAT is an exciting opportunity to develop innovative new Li-ion cathode materials to support the British battery industry. I am delighted to have the support of the Faraday Institution and our expert industry partners to deliver our vision."
Industry partners include the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI), where experts at the AMBIC facility will help scale up production processes suitable for industrial use.
Oxford leads several other flagship projects funded by the Faraday Institution, including Nextrode, SafeBATT, SOLBAT, and LiSTAR. The university also collaborates on additional projects under this initiative.
Professor Naismith stated: "Oxford is proud to be leading the way in developing the next generation of battery materials. This project brings together brilliant minds, cutting-edge science and strong partnerships with industry to tackle one of today’s most pressing challenges—how to store energy cheaply and efficiently. It’s a great example of how world-class research in our Division is delivering real benefits for everyone and the UK economy."
More information about 3D-CAT can be found on its website.