NCM111 Cathode Active Material

Overview

NCM-111 is an NCM111 (often called NMC333) layered oxide cathode active material based on LiNi₁/₃Co₁/₃Mn₁/₃O₂. In a lithium-ion cell, lithium ions reversibly intercalate/de-intercalate within the layered cathode structure during charge/discharge, while electrons travel through the external circuit. The balanced Ni:Co:Mn ratio makes NCM111 a widely used reference material for electrochemistry and battery testing, supporting repeatable electrode processing and robust benchmarking.

Key specifications (typical)

• Main composition (wt%): Li 7.3–7.9; Ni 20.6 ± 1.0; Co 21.0 ± 1.0; Mn 16.60 ± 1.0
• Impurities (µg/g): Fe ≤ 30; Cu ≤ 20; Zn ≤ 20; S ≤ 3500
• Particle size distribution (µm): D10 ≥ 2.5; D50 7.5 ± 1.0; D90 ≤ 16
• Specific surface area (m²/g): 0.25–0.45
• Tap density (g/cm³): ≤ 2.20
• Water content (µg/g): ≤ 500
• Li dissolution amount: ≤ 0.25;
• pH Value: ≤ 12.0
  
  

Compatibility and use

NCM111 is commonly formulated into composite cathodes with conductive carbon and binder (PVDF/NMP or suitable water-based systems, depending on your process) on aluminium current collectors. It is compatible with standard Li-ion carbonate electrolytes (e.g., LiPF₆-based) and is widely used with graphite or silicon-graphite anodes, or lithium metal for half-cell screening.

Typical applications

• Coin, pouch and cylindrical cell prototyping
• Rate capability, cycle-life and EIS studies using potentiostats/galvanostats
• Benchmarking versus NCM532/NCM622/NCM811 chemistries
• Operando/in-situ studies (e.g., XRD or Raman spectroelectrochemistry) using suitable electrochemical cells
  
  

Why source via ScienceGears

ScienceGears supports Australian and New Zealand labs with local supply, electrode-processing guidance, and practical integration across related battery research instruments (potentiostats, battery cyclers, electrochemical cells, and in-situ spectroscopy accessories).