Comparative computational investigation of N and F substituted polyoxoanionic compounds: The case of Li2FeSiO4 electrode material

First principles calculations are used to anticipate the electrochemistry of polyoxoanionic materials consisting of XO_{4 − y}A_y (A = F, N) groups. As an illustrative case, this work focuses on the effect of either N or F for O substitution upon the electrochemical properties of Li₂FeSiO₄. Within the Pmn2₁–Li₂FeSiO₄ structure, virtual models of Li₂Fe₂^2.5+SiO_3.5N_0.5 and Li_1.5Fe²⁺SiO_3.5F_0.5 have been analyzed. We predict that the lithium deinsertion voltage associated to the Fe^3+/Fe⁴⁺ redox couple is decreased by both substituents. The high theoretical specific capacity of Li₂FeSiO₄ (330 mAh/g) could be retained in N-substituted silicates thanks to the oxidation of N³⁻ anions, whilst Li_1.5Fe²⁺SiO_3.5F_0.5 has a lower specific capacity inherent to the F substitution. Substitution of N/F for O will respectively improve/worsen the electrode characteristics of Li₂FeSiO₄.