Energy & electrochemical materials · Battery cathodes

NMC 811 lithium-ion cathode

A layered lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide cathode with high nickel content, developed for high specific energy while reducing cobalt intensity relative to earlier NMC chemistries.

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Battery Active Material
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Reference
Conditions
1
Sources
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01

Overview

Material class
Energy & electrochemical materials
Category
Battery cathodes
Family
Battery Active Material
Product forms
Not specified

Composition

ConstituentMinMaxTypicalNote
Li1formula basis
Ni0.8molar fraction transition metal
Mn0.1
Co0.1
O2

02

Properties and conditions

Engineering properties

PropertyValueUnitCondition
Specific capacity~180–210mAh/gcell/process dependent
Nominal voltage~3.6–3.7V vs graphite full cellRepresentative; verify product form and condition
Tap density~2.2–2.6g/cm³Representative; verify product form and condition
Thermal stabilitylower than LFPstate-of-charge dependent
Cycle lifechemistry/process dependentcyclesRepresentative; verify product form and condition

Conditions

reference

Reference electrode/material state

Composition, particle morphology, state of charge and test protocol must be stated.

03

Processing and use

Processing

  • Surface coatings, single-crystal particles and electrolyte additives improve stability.
  • Moisture exposure and residual lithium compounds affect processing.

Applications

  • EV traction batteries
  • High-energy cells
  • Grid storage

Selection considerations

  • High nickel increases energy density but demands tighter thermal and state-of-charge control.
  • Cell safety depends on the complete electrode/electrolyte/package system.

04

Standards and related materials

Standards and designations

SystemDesignationNote
CommercialLiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2supplier specification

05

Sources and context

Sources

Confirm the applicable specification, product form and condition before using values for design or procurement.

Supply and sustainability

Lithium, nickel and cobalt supply chains have distinct geographic and ESG exposures; precursor production is concentrated.

Hydrometallurgical and direct-recycling routes can recover nickel, cobalt and lithium; design and collection determine recovery.

Strategic context

High-energy cathode for electric vehicles and stationary storage, with performance and supply-chain trade-offs.

Critical inputs: Lithium, Nickel, Cobalt, Manganese, Graphite supply chain

Basis: EU Critical Raw Materials Act (2024); USGS 2025 Critical Minerals List; US DOE Critical Materials Assessment (2023)