The corrosion rates of carbon steel and galvanized steel according to the ISO 9223 standard, the effect of pollutant contamination and atmospheric aggressiveness under high rainfall conditions in the Chocó department were studied. Carbon and galvanized steel samples, chloride, and sulfur collectors were exposed in three atmospheric stations in three strategic positions covering the Colombian Pacific: Quibdó, Andagoya and Bahía Solano, for different exposure periods (up to 18 months). The structural-micro characterization of corrosion products was evaluated via X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy SEM-EDS. The results indicate that all study regions obtained the highest time of wetness category (τ₅). The sulfur-containing pollution (SO₂) was categorized as P₀ (rural atmosphere) with average values of P_d ≤ 4 mg/m² - day. Bahia Solano station showed the highest chloride deposition rate, reporting an average of 8.3 mg/m²-day (categorized as δ₁), according to ISO 9223. Due to the extremely high rainfall in the department of Chocó, the results initially suggested hematite formation on carbon steel. After several months, there was a phase transition to lepidocrocite (γ-FeOOH). The formation of γ-FeOOH induces active corrosion on the iron substrate. The zincite phase (ZnO) was observed in the galvanized steel corrosion products. The corrosion rates of carbon and galvanized steel in the location of Quibdó-Colombia were higher than in previous reports. Data analysis reveals that the precipitation variable, which governs the TOW and pollution contaminants, significantly influences the corrosion of these exposed metals.

Cobalt-free layered oxide cathode material (LiMn_0.5Ni_0.5O₂) was obtained via a two-step synthesis method. Firstly, hydrothermal synthesis of MnOOH with nanorod morphology was achieved and then a co-precipitation process to obtain the LiMn_0.5Ni_0.5O₂ active layered material was performed. Structural and morphological characterization revealed a promising disordered layered structure obtained at 800 °C with improved electrochemical performance. The thermal treatment performed on the active materials resulted in a controlled balance between the monoclinic and rhombohedral phase leading to good phases formation ratio in a cobalt-free layer cathode. It was found that the controlled mixing of structural phases plays an important role in improving the electrochemical performance of the active cathodic layer material, resulting in an adequate balance between high discharge capacity and electrochemical stability during the charge/discharge cycling. The morphological analysis showed two kinds of particles that played a crucial role in the structural stability and electrochemical performance. The active material thermally treated at 800 °C displayed outstanding discharge capacity of 235.05 mAh g⁻¹ at 20 mA g⁻¹ in CCCV (Current Constant-Constant Voltage) mode. While, in CC (Current Constant) mode showed the highest discharge capacity, of 178.95 mAh g⁻¹ at 20 mA g⁻¹ and good capacity retention (87.2% after 100 cycles).

Cathode materials remain a critical challenge for reducing costs and improving durability in lithium-ion batteries. This work presents a scalable method for synthesizing cathode materials and optimizing slurries using a response-surface experimental design to minimize testing while identifying slurry compositions that increase discharge capacity by boosting active-material loading. Two cathode systems: Li1.2Ni0.3Mn0.5O2 on an α-MnOOH template and LiFePO4/C, were synthesized, scaled, and characterized using Raman spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, and electrochemical analysis. Optimized slurries were then evaluated through densification, adhesion (ASTM D3359-2), and mechanical bending/lamination tests to assess their suitability for 18650 cell assembly. Statistical analysis indicated that binder and Super P content negatively affect discharge capacity, whereas electrode thickness and Super P content positively affect it. A dry-film thickness of 30 µm was identified as optimal for calendering, resulting in better malleability and higher capacity. Custom 18650 cells demonstrated that LFP/C offers superior cycling stability and durability, whereas LMNO α-MnOOH provides higher initial capacities. Overall, this integrated workflow offers a scalable pathway from cathode synthesis to electrode fabrication and 18650 lab-cell assembly.