Lecture curated by Chiara Ferrara, Associate Professor of Physical Chemistry at the University of Milano Bicocca, Simone d'Agostino, Associate Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Bologna Alma Mater, and Matteo Busato, Assistant Professor of Physical Chemistry at the University of Rome "La Sapienza".

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The manufacturing cost of the cathode significantly influences the overall energy storage cost in liquid electrolyte lithium-ion batteries. Cathodes, primarily made from materials like lithium cobalt oxide, nickel manganese cobalt, or lithium iron phosphate, account for a substantial percentage of the total battery expense. The price fluctuations of raw materials, especially scarce ones like cobalt and nickel, directly affect production costs. Efficient cathode design aims to enhance energy density while reducing material costs, thus optimizing performance and affordability. Consequently, advancements in cathode technology not only improve battery efficiency but also play a pivotal role in decreasing the total cost of energy accumulation, making electric vehicles more economically viable for consumers.