China's new lithium cathode tech boosts EV energy density by 30%

Scientists at City University of Hong Kong, led by Professor Liu Qi, have developed a breakthrough lithium-rich layered oxide (LLO) cathode material that boosts electric vehicle (EV) battery energy density by over 30% while reducing costs. The team addressed the longstanding issue of voltage decay, which shortens battery life, by stabilizing the battery’s atomic “honeycomb” structure through the addition of specific transition metal ions. This innovation prevents oxygen release and structural degradation. Additionally, a carbon coating protects the cathode from surface wear, electrolyte corrosion, and metal dissolution, ensuring long-term stability and high performance. To commercialize this technology, the researchers founded SuFang New Energy Technology Co., Ltd., currently operating a 100-ton-per-year production line with plans to expand to a 1,000-ton facility in Southeast Asia or Korea, creating around 100 new jobs. This advancement not only strengthens Hong Kong’s position in next-generation energy technologies but also aligns with the global lithium-ion battery