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In recent years, researchers have been trying to develop increasingly advanced battery technologies that can store more energy, recharge faster, discharge slower, and have longer lifespans. To achieve this, many have been experimenting with new cathode materials, as these tend to contribute significantly to a battery's performance.

Layered lithium-rich transition metal oxides have recently become the focus of numerous research studies, as they have been found to be promising cathode materials. As cathode materials, they could theoretically help to boost the energy density of rechargeable batteries for both electric vehicles and portable devices.

The advantages of layered lithium-rich metal oxide cathodes derive from their layered structure and their composition. Their structure allows lithium atoms to move across layers while the battery is operating, while their richness in lithium allows them to store and release more energy while charging/discharging.

Moreover, these cathodes contain transition metals such as manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co) or nickel (Ni) and oxygen anions, which can facilitate redox (reduction-oxidation) reactions within the batteries. These are the reactions that allow batteries to gain and lose electrons, thus contributing to their production of energy.

Despite their advantages, many layered lithium-rich metal oxide cathodes have been found to rapidly deteriorate and lose voltage over time. This, along with their instability, has so far prevented their large-scale use in battery development.

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