Argonne National Laboratory was recently honored with a 2025 R&D 100 Award for its breakthrough dual-gradient cathode technology, a next-generation material designed to dramatically advance lithium-ion battery performance for e-mobility and grid storage.
This worldwide science and innovation competition, now in its 63rd year, received entries from organizations around the world. Argonne’s innovation introduces a structural and compositional dual-gradient (SCDG) cathode particle that transitions from a nickel-rich layered core to a cobalt-enriched, disordered surface.
Schematic diagram of the SCDG particle with gradient structure from order to disorder toward the outer layer and gradient composition from Co-less bulk to Co-enriched surface.
This unique architecture resolves long-standing limitations of high-nickel cathodes by improving structural integrity, mitigating surface reactions, and enabling stable operation at high voltages.
As Argonne National Lab explains, “The high voltage causes the traditional layered, ordered cathode particles to crack, which allows the Ni core to react with the electrolyte.” The dual-gradient design directly addresses this challenge by shielding the nickel core while reinforcing stability at the surface.
In laboratory testing, the dual-gradient design has delivered high capacity (235 mAh/g), stable operation up to 4.7 volts, and 93% capacity retention over 1,000 cycles. By reducing the interior cobalt content to as little as 1% (from the typical range of 10 to 20% in conventional cathodes) while maintaining stability through surface cobalt reinforcement, the technology simultaneously improves sustainability and lowers material costs.
For electric vehicles, these advances translate into longer driving ranges, faster charging at higher voltages, and improved safety under demanding conditions. Lower cobalt usage also strengthens supply chain resilience and reduces reliance on costly critical materials.
The research positions Argonne’s SCDG cathode as a compelling option for plug-in hybrid and fully electric vehicles, stationary grid storage, electronics, and aerospace applications. According to Argonne, the technology is “suitable for commercial-scale production” and “supports both polycrystalline and single-crystal cathode materials.”
By combining higher energy density, extended cycle life, and reduced reliance on critical materials, Argonne’s dual-gradient cathode technology represents a major step forward in the quest for safer, longer-lasting, and more cost-efficient lithium-ion batteries that can accelerate global electrification.
Filed Under: Technology News