Lithium-rich layered oxide cathodes for lithium-ion batteries: A bibliometric and science mapping analysis (2005–2025)

Lithium-rich layered oxides (LRLOs) are regarded as promising cathode materials for next-generation Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, they face challenges such as structural instability, voltage decay and capacity that hinder their practical application and commercialisation. This study presents the first comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global LRLO cathode research covering the period 2005–2025 using 1048 publications retrieved from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. The results show that China leads globally in publication output, institutional contributions, and international collaborations. The lifecycle analysis indicates that LRLO research has evolved into a mature yet rapidly expanding scientific domain, while Lotka's Law confirms the establishment of a stable scientific community. The major research themes include "lithium-ion batteries", "high-capacity", "cathodes", "electrochemical performance", "surface modification", and "oxygen redox chemistry", indicating a shift from materials synthesis to mechanism-based optimisation. These findings provide strategic insights into the current development of LRLO cathodes and highlight AI-assisted materials design as a promising opportunity to accelerate their optimisation and commercialisation.