What is a voltage fade?
It is the bane of batteries, including phone batteries, and is said to be a key reason for lowering their performance. Voltage fade reduces the energy density of a battery which in turn limits the practical applications of these materials despite their high energy density in the initial charge-discharge cycles. Voltage fade is of concern now as it affects a promising class of cathode materials called Lithium-rich NMC (nickel magnesium cobalt) layered oxides. These cathode materials have drawn attention to their potential as components for better rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles. Researchers have now identified nanoscale defects or dislocations which result in voltage fade. There is hope, though. The team in the U.S. has showed that heat treatment eliminated most of the defects and restored the original voltage.The findings have been published in the journal, Nature Energy. — Science Daily