CityUHK project targets 30% higher energy density in EV batteries with lithium-rich cathodes backed by RAISe+ Scheme

As the global electric vehicle (EV) market and renewable energy sector continue to expand rapidly, demand for advanced lithium-ion battery technology continues to grow. A research team from City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) has been awarded funding under the “RAISe+ Scheme” to address the long-standing voltage decay issue associated with lithium-rich cathode materials. This groundbreaking research aims to introduce a new range of battery materials that offer enhanced energy density, extended lifespan and reduced costs.

The project plans to build a 1,000-ton materials production line and is expected to create approximately 100 new jobs.

Led by Professor Liu Qi (centre), from the Department of Physics at CityUHK, the project, titled “Breakthrough Cathode Materials for Next-generation Lithium-ion Batteries”, has been awarded funding under the “RAISe+ Scheme”. Photo credit: City University of Hong Kong

Led by Professor Liu Qi, from the Department of Physics at CityUHK, the project is titled “Breakthrough Cathode Materials for Next-generation Lithium-ion Batteries”. With the support of the “RAISe+ Scheme”, launched by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, the team aims to transform this technological breakthrough into industrial-scale applications within three years and optimise the production line for next-generation output.

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have become a cornerstone of the global energy transition, playing an essential role in renewable energy storage systems and smart technologies – from mobile phones to the EV revolution and large-scale solar power stations. With the rapid growth in global demand, the LIB market is projected to reach US$150 billion by 2030, with over US$60 billion coming from cathode materials, the component that contributes most significantly to the overall cost of batteries.

Among various cathode materials, lithium-rich layered oxides (LLOs) stand out for their high capacity, high operating voltage and cost advantages due to abundant raw materials. They are widely regarded as the “ultimate cathode material”, capable of significantly enhancing the performance of lithium-ion batteries.

Despite their theoretical advantages, however, LLOs face critical challenges of voltage and capacity decay, which have long hindered their commercialisation.

Lithium-rich layered oxides (LLOs) are widely regarded as the “ultimate cathode material for lithium-ion batteries”. Photo credit: City University of Hong Kong

The team’s innovative approach focuses on stabilising the honeycomb structure by incorporating additional transition metal (TM) ions into the cathode material. This modification suppresses oxygen release, cation migration and structural degradation, effectively addressing the core issue of voltage decay. This sets a new benchmark for high-performance LLOs and provides a solid foundation for industrialisation.

Furthermore, the team employs advanced surface engineering techniques to tackle capacity decay caused by surficial degradation, TM ion dissolution, structural deterioration and electrolyte corrosion. The team introduced protective agents, such as carbon coating layers, during the calcination process. This protective layer ensures long-term stability, marking a significant step in energy storage technology.

These groundbreaking technologies were published in Nature Energy in 2023. Building on these laboratory breakthroughs, the team aims to accelerate the commercialisation process by focusing on the development of two product lines: 1) LLOs for traditional LIBs, aiming to increase the energy density of traditional LIBs by over 30%, while reducing costs; and 2) LLOs for solid-state batteries.

Professor Liu Qi (right), from the Department of Physics at CityUHK. Photo credit: City University of Hong Kong

“Our research team has enabled LLOs, a cathode material, to realise their true commercial potential. This technology allows batteries to deliver higher energy density at a lower cost, opening new possibilities for EVs and energy-storage applications," said Professor Liu. “This project also demonstrates Hong Kong’s strengths in next-generation energy technologies and reinforces Hong Kong’s leading position in the globally competitive high-tech ecosystem.”

The team established SuFang New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. and built a production line with annual capacity of 100 tons, dedicated to the industrialisation of high-performance LLOs.

With the support of RAISe+ Scheme, the project plans to build a 1,000-ton materials production line in Southeast Asia or Korea and is expected to create about 100 new jobs in research, manufacturing and engineering over the next three years.

Hong Kong's "One-for-One Replacement" Scheme will officially end on March 31st, entering its final countdown. Major car dealers are actively launching new stock and promotions to seize market share. In an interview with Bastille Post, Mr. Eric Wong, Chairman and CEO of Richburg Corporation, stated that their recent special sale at Laguna Plaza has received over 100 orders in the past two days, double the usual number, reflecting a surge in market demand before the scheme's end.

Mr. Eric Wong, Chairman and CEO of Richburg Corporation, Photo by Bastille Post

Dispatched 300 EVs to Meet Rising Demand

Mr. Wong said that the participating vehicle models in the special sale range in price from HKD$127,000 to over HKD$270,000. "In the past day or two, we've received over 100 orders—around 30 per day—double our usual volume." he said.

Richburg's special sale at Laguna Plaza, Photo source: Richburg

March is traditionally a slow month for car sales, he explained, but the impending expiry of the "One-for-One Replacement" Scheme, combined with Hong Kong consumers' last-minute buying habits, has sparked a surge in demand ahead of the scheme deadline. "The people in Hong Kong lead busy lives and tend to close deals quickly. Therefore, we prepared 300 vehicles for these last-minute buyers, to make sure they can complete their vehicle registration procedures before March 31."

Oil Price Surge Drives EV Demand, Optimistic Outlook Ahead

Mr. Wong is optimistic about the market outlook. Regarding the increased acceptance of electric vehicles, he believes it's driven by multiple factors: "Fuel prices have risen to over HKD$30 per litre, and could even approach HKD$40," he said, "Add in geopolitical tensions and the fact that tax incentives expire in just five days—people are seizing the moment to buy electric vehicles."

As the Hong Kong agent for GAC AION and SAIC MG, Mr. Wong pointed out that both brands have showcased clear advantages in the final stages of the "One-for-One Replacement" Scheme. "Both brands have received strong state support and have fully supported Hong Kong's transition to the new energy vehicles market. Thus, in the final stages of the scheme, their supply has been very active, and we have done our best to meet market demand."

Mr. Wong admitted he was initially pessimistic about the post-scheme market, but his view has since turned optimistic Photo by Bastille Post

Mr. Wong admitted he was initially pessimistic about the post-scheme market, but his view has since turned optimistic. Even with the expiry of tax incentives, he believes persistently high fuel prices will steer buyers toward affordable electric vehicles with lower tax burdens. "Hong Kong's gasoline prices are already among the highest in the world," he said. "The high fuel costs will drive more consumers to switch to electric vehicles."

High Cost-Performance and Hybrid Vehicles in Focus

When asked about the follow-up measures after the "One-for-One Replacement" Scheme ends, Mr. Wong stated that they will focus on both product and pricing: "We will continue to introduce vehicles with higher cost-performance ratios and reasonable prices, enabling customers to have a lower barrier to use electric vehicles even without tax incentives." Furthermore, Richburg plans to expand the introduction of hybrid vehicles. "Some customers may not have sufficient charging facilities," he noted, "Hybrids offer the flexibility of both refueling and charging, better meeting the actual needs of Hong Kong users."

Going forward, Richburg will focus on three pillars: high cost-performance, competitive pricing, and ready availability, to solidify its foothold in Hong Kong's electric vehicle market. Photo source: Richburg

Mr. Wong believes that Hong Kong's charging facilities are expanding rapidly under government promotion. Considering the city's population density, the progress so far has been ideal, with a significant increase in the popularity of electric vehicles. During the sales process, Richburg will proactively share charging facilities location and pricing information with customers and work with partner merchants to offer more competitive charging prices, helping customers solve practical usage problems.

He emphasized that the electric vehicle market is changing rapidly, and the ability to shorten delivery time and provide immediate availability will be key to capturing market share. Going forward, Richburg will focus on three pillars: high cost-performance, competitive pricing, and ready availability, to solidify its foothold in Hong Kong's electric vehicle market.