ORNL researchers develop new class of cobalt-free cathodes with enhanced energy density for next-gen Li-ion batteries: NFA Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) researchers have developed a new family of cobalt-free cathodes with the potential to replace the cobalt-based cathodes typically found in today’s lithium-ion batteries that power electric vehicles and consumer electronics. Called NFA—for nickel, iron and aluminum—the new class is a derivative of lithium nickelate and can be used to make lithium-ion battery cathodes. These novel cathodes are designed to be fast-charging, energy-dense, cost-effective, and longer-lasting. Papers on the work are published in Advanced Materials and the