The development of next-generation batteries for use in advanced applications (such as hybrid electric vehicles) continues to be a highly-researched topic, in particular with respect to Li-ion batteries. Specifically, the so-called NCM layered oxides (LiNi x Co y Mn z O 2 ) represents a promising class of cathode materials for next-generation batteries due to their large theoretical capacities [1,2]. However, their practical potential remains limited given their inherent cycling performance

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... es, such as voltage instability and capacity fading. Although much is conjectured, seemingly very little is known about how these materials degrade/age, and what precautions can be taken to prevent the changes deleterious to the performance of these cathode materials. 1