I don't claim to be an expert, but I don't agree with your view of
(" nickel & lithium cannot be normally be used together in a battery")
I think you need to do a bit more research.
There are some links below if you have time...
file:///C:/Users/narayan/Downloads/RoleofNiinLi-IonBattery.pdf
http://benchmarkminerals.com/elon-musk-our-lithium-ion-batteries-should-be-called-nickel-graphite/
http://www.*.com/electric-car-batteries-are-going-to-drive-a-lot-of-demand-for-nickel-2017-10?IR=T
https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_is_the_role_of_nickel_in_the_lithium_ion_battery
Thanks