Mechanistic insights into laser-structured NMC811 cathodes for fast-charging lithium-ion batteries

The slow charging kinetics of conventional lithium-ion batteries remain a critical bottleneck for their widespread implementation in electric vehicles. Their high-rate capability and cycling stability are often constrained by limited electrolyte mass transport and poor interfacial stability of the electrode materials. In this work, we investigated the influences of electrode architecture and processing parameters on the rate capability and cycling stability of LiNi 0.8 Mn 0.1 Co 0.1 O 2 (NMC811) cathodes. A grid-patterned architecture was fabricated using picosecond laser ablation to facilitate lithium-ion diffusion through well-defined channels. Ablation process optimization was achieved through systematic variation of laser power and scanning velocity, leading to improvements in structural integrity, chemical stability, and electrochemical performance. High-power laser ablation was also found to induce undesirable cation mixing of NMC811 materials. In contrast, optimal laser-structured NMC811 presented specific charge capacity of 117 mAh/g at 4C after 100 cycles, two times improvement compared to unstructured sample (59 mAh/g). Additionally, the formation of laser-induced lithium fluoride on the cathode surface was shown to enhance cycling stability at high charge-discharge rates. • Picosecond laser ablation significantly improves fast charging capability of NMC811-graphite batteries. • Laser ablation parameters impact the chemistry and morphology of NMC811 particles. • Laser ablation induces cation mixing of NMC811 and promotes the formation of a stable LiF interphase. • Optimized lasering raised reversible capacity by >30 % and enhance fast-charge cycling stability with only 6 % mass loss.