Comparative analysis of TiO₂ and Al₂O₃ surface coatings on battery electrodes for enhanced lithium-ion battery performance: addressing selected issues of the Indian electric vehicle supply chain

ABSTRACT

This study evaluates titanium dioxide (TiO₂), aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), and hybrid coatings on lithium-ion battery electrodes, focusing on their implications for the Indian electric vehicle supply chain. Using Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), coatings were applied to commercial-grade graphite and LiNiMnCoO2 (NMC) electrodes. The coatings were analyzed for ionic conductivity, chemical stability, mechanical reinforcement, thermal stability, and electrochemical performance using SEM, TEM, XRD, TGA, CV, EIS, and long-term cycling tests. Results show TiO₂ coatings provide superior ionic conductivity (3.5 × 10^–4 S/cm) but lower chemical stability. Al₂O₃ coatings, with an ionic conductivity of 1.8 × 10^–4 S/cm, demonstrated excellent chemical stability and mechanical reinforcement (elastic modulus of 150 GPa). Hybrid coatings exhibited a balanced performance, with 80% capacity retention after 500 cycles at 0.5C and intermediate thermal stability. Conclusions indicate that TiO₂ is suitable for high-rate applications, while Al₂O₃ is ideal for long-term stability. Hybrid coatings offer a promising solution by combining the strengths of both materials, enhancing battery performance, and supporting the development of efficient and reliable energy storage solutions for India’s electric vehicle industry.

Keywords:
Lithium-ion batteries; TiO₂ coatings; Al₂O₃ coatings; hybrid coatings; Indian electric vehicle supply chain