Answer to the Comment submitted by R. Niewa and D. A. Zherebtsov on the Paper “Synthesis and Electrochemical Study of Antifluorite‐type Phases in the Li‐M‐N‐O (M = Ti,V) Systems” [1]

In the reaction conditions leading to γ‐Li₇VN₄, no ordered solid solution γ‐Li₇VN₄–Li₂O seems to exist but rather a mixture of two phases: γ‐Li₇VN₄ and a lithium vanadium oxynitride with the disordered anti‐fluorite structure. Even though the trend may be different in the case of β‐Li₇VN₄–Li₂O, neutron diffraction experiments would be desirable to confirm/dismiss these assumptions, as they would allow to determine the number of phases and polymorphs present and the degree of Li/V or N/O order, if any.     

Comment on the Paper: “Synthesis and Electrochemical Study of Antifluorite‐type Phases in the Li‐M‐N‐O (M = Ti,V) Systems” [1]

Based on experimental data it is shown that samples in a solid solution series of the system Li₇[VN₄]–Li₂O with partial Li–V order can be obtained.     

A Perovskite Electrolyte That Is Stable in Moist Air for Lithium‐Ion Batteries

Solid‐oxide Li⁺ electrolytes of a rechargeable cell are generally sensitive to moisture in the air as H⁺ exchanges for the mobile Li⁺ of the electrolyte and forms insulating surface phases at the electrolyte interfaces and in the grain boundaries of a polycrystalline membrane. These surface phases dominate the total interfacial resistance of a conventional rechargeable cell with a solid–electrolyte separator. We report a new perovskite Li⁺ solid electrolyte, Li_0.38Sr_0.44Ta_0.7Hf_0.3O_2.95F_0.05, with a lithium‐ion conductivity of σ_Li=4.8×10^?4 S cm^?1 at 25 °C that does not react with water having 3≤pH≤14. The solid electrolyte with a thin Li⁺‐conducting polymer on its surface to prevent reduction of Ta⁵⁺ is wet by metallic lithium and provides low‐impedance dendrite‐free plating/stripping of a lithium anode. It is also stable upon contact with a composite polymer cathode. With this solid electrolyte, we demonstrate excellent cycling performance of an all‐solid‐state Li/LiFePO₄ cell, a Li‐S cell with a polymer‐gel cathode, and a supercapacitor.     

Higher hydrates of lithium chloride,lithium bromide and lithium iodide

For lithium halides, LiX (X = Cl, Br and I), hydrates with a water content of 1, 2, 3 and 5 moles of water per formula unit are known as phases in aqueous solid–liquid equilibria. The crystal structures of the monohydrates of LiCl and LiBr are known, but no crystal structures have been reported so far for the higher hydrates, apart from LiI·3H₂O. In this study, the crystal structures of the di‐ and trihydrates of lithium chloride, lithium bromide and lithium iodide, and the pentahydrates of lithium chloride and lithium bromide have been determined. In each hydrate, the lithium cation is coordinated octahedrally. The dihydrates crystallize in the NaCl·2H₂O or NaI·2H₂O type structure. Surprisingly, in the tri‐ and pentahydrates of LiCl and LiBr, one water molecule per Li⁺ ion remains uncoordinated. For LiI·3H₂O, the LiClO₄·3H₂O structure type was confirmed and the H‐atom positions have been fixed. The hydrogen‐bond networks in the various structures are discussed in detail. Contrary to the monohydrates, the structures of the higher hydrates show no disorder.     

Raman and Photoluminescence Spectroscopic Detection of Surface‐Bound Li+O2− Defect Sites in Li‐Doped ZnO Nanocrystals Derived from Molecular Precursors

We present a detailed study of Raman spectroscopy and photoluminescence measurements on Li‐doped ZnO nanocrystals with varying lithium concentrations. The samples were prepared starting from molecular precursors at low temperature. The Raman spectra revealed several sharp lines in the range of 100–200 cm^?1, which are attributed to acoustical phonons. In the high‐energy range two peaks were observed at 735 cm^?1 and 1090 cm^?1. Excitation‐dependent Raman spectroscopy of the 1090 cm^?1 mode revealed resonance enhancement at excitation energies around 2.2 eV. This energy coincides with an emission band in the photoluminescence spectra. The emission is attributed to the deep lithium acceptor and intrinsic point defects such as oxygen vacancies. Based on the combined Raman and PL results, we introduce a model of surface‐bound LiO₂ defect sites, that is, the presence of Li⁺O₂^? superoxide. Accordingly, the observed Raman peaks at 735 cm^?1 and 1090 cm^?1 are assigned to Li? O and O? O vibrations of LiO₂.     

Preparation of Li_(4.4)Al_(0.4)Si_(0.6)O_4-xLi_3BO_3 Solid Electrolytes by Sol-Gel Method and Their Ionic Conductivity

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Preparation,Crystallographic, Spectroscopic and Magnetic Characterization of Low‐Valency Nitridometalates Li2[(Li1‐xMx)N] with M = Cu,Ni

Thermogravimetric and difference thermal analyses show that the reactions of lithium nitride with the transition metals Cu and Ni under molecular nitrogen to form phases Li₂[(Li_1‐xM^I_x)N] take place above 673 K. The maximum weight gains are reached at 926 K and 968 K for M = Cu and Ni, respectively. At higher temperatures, the ternary phases Li₂[(Li_1‐xM^I_x)N] decompose, limiting the substitutional level x. In the temperature range of 773 K — 873 K, the successful synthesis of Li₂[(Li_1‐xNi^I_x)N] (0 < x ≤ 0.85(1)) single phase products is demonstrated. Maximum substitution obtained for the Cu phases is x_max= 0.43(1). The dependence of the lattice parameters of the hexagonal unit cell on x is almost linear. The magnetic moment of M strongly depends on x. At low x the magnetic moments in phases with M = Ni are presumably enhanced by orbital effects. A decrease of μ_eff with x to μ_eff(x = 1) → 0 is explained by delocalization of the magnetic moments and by the gradual formation of a metal for the hypothetical compound Li₂[NiN] (x = 1). XAS spectroscopy at the transition metal K‐edges shows that Cu and Ni principally correspond to d¹⁰‐ and d⁹‐configurations, respectively.     

Untersuchungen zur Kristallstruktur von Lithium‐dodecahydro‐closo‐dodecaborat aus wäßriger Lösung: Li2(H2O)7[B12H12]

Investigations on the Crystal Structure of Lithium Dodecahydro‐closo‐dodecaborate from Aqueous Solution: Li₂(H₂O)₇[B₁₂H₁₂] By neutralization of an aqueous solution of the acid (H₃O)₂[B₁₂H₁₂] with lithium hydroxide (LiOH) and subsequent isothermic evaporation of the resulting solution to dryness, it was possible to obtain the heptahydrate of lithium dodecahydro‐closo‐dodecaborate Li₂[B₁₂H₁₂] · 7 H₂O (≡ Li₂(H₂O)₇[B₁₂H₁₂]). Its structure has been determined from X‐ray single crystal data at room temperature. The compound crystallizes as colourless, lath‐shaped, deliquescent crystals in the orthorhombic space group Cmcm with the lattice constants a = 1215.18(7), b = 934.31(5), c = 1444.03(9) pm and four formula units in the unit cell. The crystal structure of Li₂(H₂O)₇[B₁₂H₁₂] can not be described as a simple AB₂‐structure type. Instead it forms a layer‐like structure analogous to the well‐known barium compound Ba(H₂O)₆[B₁₂H₁₂]. Characteristic feature is the formation of isolated cation pairs [Li₂(H₂O)₇]²⁺ in which the water molecules form two [Li(H₂O)₄]⁺ tetrahedra with eclipsed conformation, linked to a dimer via a common corner. The bridging oxygen atom (∢(Li‐ O ‐Li) = 112°) thereby formally substitutes Ba²⁺ in Ba(H₂O)₆[B₁₂H₁₂] according to (H₂ O )Li₂(H₂O)₆[B₁₂H₁₂]. A direct coordinative influence of the [B₁₂H₁₂]^2— cluster anions to the Li⁺ cations is not noticeable, however. The positions of the hydrogen atoms of both the water molecules and the [B₁₂H₁₂]^2— units have all been localized. In addition, the formation of B‐H^δ—···^δ+H‐O‐hydrogen bonds between the water molecules and the hydrogen atoms from the anionic [B₁₂H₁₂]^2— clusters is considered and their range and strength is discussed. The dehydratation of the heptahydrate has been investigated by DTA‐TG measurements and shown to take place in two steps at 56 and 151 °C, respectively. Thermal treatment leads to the anhydrous lithium dodecahydro‐closo‐dodecaborate Li₂[B₁₂H₁₂], eventually.     

Lithium phospho­enolpyruvate monohydrate at 85 K

The crystal structure of the title compound, lithium (1‐carboxy­ethenyl­oxy)­phospho­nate monohydrate, Li⁺·C₃H₄O₆P^?·­H₂O, is governed by lithium–oxy­gen interactions and hydrogen bonds. The Li⁺ cation is tetrahedrally coordinated by phosphate and water O atoms. The phospho­enolpyruvate monoanions form carboxyl‐to‐carboxyl and phosphate‐to‐water hydrogen bonds.     

Enzyme‐Inspired Room‐Temperature Lithium–Oxygen Chemistry via Reversible Cleavage and Formation of Dioxygen Bonds

Li‐O₂ batteries are promising energy storage systems due to their ultra‐high theoretical capacity. However, most Li‐O₂ batteries are based on the reduction/oxidation of Li₂O₂ and involve highly reactive superoxide and peroxide species that would cause serious degradation of cathodes, especially carbon‐based materials. It is important to explore lithium‐oxygen reactions and find new Li‐O₂ chemistry which can restrict or even avoid the negative influence of superoxide/peroxide species. Here, inspired by enzyme‐catalyzed oxygen reduction/oxidation reactions, we introduce a copper(I) complex 3 N‐Cu^I (3 N=1,4,7‐trimethyl‐1,4,7‐triazacyclononane) to Li‐O₂ batteries and successfully modulate the reaction pathway to a moderate one on reversible cleavage/formation of O?O bonds. This work demonstrates that the reaction pathways of Li‐O₂ batteries could be modulated by introducing an appropriate soluble catalyst, which is another powerful choice to construct better Li‐O₂ batteries.     

Transition‐Metal‐Catalyzed Oxidation of Metallic Sn in NiO/SnO2 Nanocomposite

It is well accepted that metallic tin as a discharge (reduction) product of SnO_x cannot be electrochemically oxidized below 3.00 V versus Li⁺/Li⁰ due to the high stability of Li₂O, though a similar oxidation can usually occur for a transition metal formed from the corresponding oxide. In this work, nanosized Ni₂SnO₄ and NiO/SnO₂ nanocomposite were synthesized by coprecipitation reactions and subsequent heat treatment. Owing to the catalytic effect of nanosized metallic nickel, metallic tin can be electrochemically oxidized to SnO₂ below 3.00 V. As a result, the reversible lithium‐storage capacities of the nanocomposite reach 970 mAh g^?1 or above, much higher than the theoretical capacity (ca. 750 mAh g^?1) of SnO₂, NiO, or their composites. These findings extend the well‐known electrochemical conversion reaction to non‐transition‐metal compounds and may have important applications, for example, in constructing high‐capacity electrode materials and efficient catalysts.     

High Lithium Ionic Conductivity in the Lithium Halide Hydrates Li3‐n(OHn)Cl (0.83≤n≤2) and Li3‐n(OHn)Br (1≤n≤2) at Ambient Temperatures

Lithium ionic conductivity and phase transitions in a series of lithium halides hydrates and hydroxides with general formula Li_3‐n(OH_n)X (0.83≤n≤2; X=Cl,Br) were studied using impedance measurements and ¹H and ⁷Li NMR spectroscopy. All compounds studied in this work crystallize in the antiperovskite structure or are closely related to this structure type. With the exception of LiCl?H₂O, all compounds with integer lithium content exhibit good lithium ionic conductivity in their high temperature cubic phases above T=33 °C. Lithium doping of samples LiX?H₂O and Li₂(OH)X leads to a suppression of the phase transition into the noncubic phases and the good ionic conductivity is extended down to lower temperatures (T<0 °C). Thus, lithium doping of the lithium halide hydrates provides a promising tool for tailoring the ionic conductivity at ambient temperatures to its optimum value.     

Solid‐State Electrolyte Anchored with a Carboxylated Azo Compound for All‐Solid‐State Lithium Batteries

Organic electrode materials are promising for green and sustainable lithium‐ion batteries. However, the high solubility of organic materials in the liquid electrolyte results in the shuttle reaction and fast capacity decay. Herein, azo compounds are firstly applied in all‐solid‐state lithium batteries (ASSLB) to suppress the dissolution challenge. Due to the high compatibility of azobenzene (AB) based compounds to Li₃PS₄ (LPS) solid electrolyte, the LPS solid electrolyte is used to prevent the dissolution and shuttle reaction of AB. To maintain the low interface resistance during the large volume change upon cycling, a carboxylate group is added into AB to provide 4‐(phenylazo) benzoic acid lithium salt (PBALS), which could bond with LPS solid electrolyte via the ionic bonding between oxygen in PBALS and lithium ion in LPS. The ionic bonding between the active material and solid electrolyte stabilizes the contact interface and enables the stable cycle life of PBALS in ASSLB.     

New Phases in the Lithiumnitridovanadate System — The Solid Solution Li7‐2xMgx[VN4] with 0 ≤ x ≤ 1

Solid solution phases Li_7‐2xMg_x[VN₄] (0 < x ≤ 1) with varying Mg‐content are obtained as yellow microcrystalline powders from heat treatment of mixtures of VN, Li₃N and Mg₃N₂ or from mixtures of Li₇[VN₄] and Mg₃N₂ at 1370 K in N₂ atmosphere at ambient pressure. At substitution parameter values of x > 0.5 a subsequent distortion from the ideal cubic unit cell to an orthorhombic unit cell is observed. The crystal structure of Li_7‐2xMg_x[VN₄] with x ≈ 1 was refined from neutron and X‐ray powder diffraction data (space group Pbca, No. 61, a = 963.03(3) pm, b = 958.44(3) pm, c = 951.93(2) pm, neutron pattern 14° — 156° 2θ, step non‐linear ≈ 0.0782° 2θ, No. of measured points 1816, R_p = 0.089, R_wp = 0.115, R_Bragg = 0.155, R_F = 0.114; X‐ray pattern 10° — 98° 2θ, step 0.005° 2θ, No. of measured points 17600, R_p = 0.028, R_wp = 0.045, R_Bragg = 0.113, R_F = 0.133, structure variables: 45). The crystal structure resembles a Li₂O type superstructure with the atomic arrangement of β‐Li₇[VN₄] and with two crystallographic Li‐sites each substituted by Mg with statistical occupation factors of 0.5. Chemical analyses prove the composition and XAS spectroscopy at the V K‐edge support the +5 oxidation state assignment for vanadium. XAS data also support the tetrahedral coordination of vanadium by N as indicated by the structure refinements.     

Vibrational Spectroscopic Study on Ion Solvation and Ion Association of Lithium Tetrafluoroborate in 4‐Ethoxymethyl‐ethylene Carbonate

应用红外及拉曼光谱研究了不同浓度的四氟硼酸锂在4-乙氧甲基-碳酸乙烯酯溶剂中的离子溶剂化和离子缔合现象。环形变谱带和羰基伸缩振动谱带的分裂,以及骨架环振动谱带的迁移和分裂表明,锂离子与溶剂分子间存在着较强的相互作用,这种相互作用是通过溶剂羰基氧原子实现的。利用光谱拟合技术定量计算了表观溶剂化数。随着电解质锂盐浓度的增加,溶剂化数逐渐由4.32降至1.26。此外,四氟硼酸根v1谱带的分裂表明在高浓度溶液中存在着光谱自由的四氟硼酸根、直接接触离子对和离子对二聚体。     

Low‐temperature Synthesis of Peony‐like Spinel Li4Ti5O12 as a High‐performance Anode Material for Lithium Ion Batteries

Peony‐like spinel Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ was synthesized via calcination of precursor at the temperature of 400°C, and the precursor was prepared through a hydrothermal process in which the reaction of hydrous titanium oxide with lithium hydroxide was conducted at 180°C. The as‐prepared product was investigated by SEM, TEM and XRD, respectively. As anode material for lithium ion battery, the Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ obtained was also characterized by galvanostatic tests and cyclic voltammetry measurements. It is found that the peony‐like Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ exhibited high rate capability of 119.7 mAh·g⁻¹ at 10 C and good capacity retention of 113.8 mAh·g⁻¹ after 100 cycles at 5 C, and these results indicate the peony‐like Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ has promising applications for lithium ion batteries with high performance.     

Das 1,3‐Dimethylcyanurat‐Ion als ambidenter Ligand

The 1,3‐Dimethylcyanurate Ion as an Ambident Ligand 1,3‐Dimethyl‐2,4,6‐trioxo‐1,3,5‐triazin ( 7 ), (1,3‐dimethylcyanuric acid, DMCH), obtained from the thermolysis of methyl urea, is deprotonated with lithium ethylate. In the resulting dinuclear complex [(DMCLi)₂·4 H₂O] ( 8 ), the heterocyclic anions are linked to the lithium centres with oxygen atoms as its enolate form. In the corresponding silver complex [(DMCAg)₂·en] ( 10 ), (en = ethylendiamine), N‐coordination of the ligand is observed. The crystal structures of 7 , 8 , and 10 reveal the presence of intermolecular hydrogen bonds.     

Nucleation and Crystal Formation in Lithium Disilicate‐Apatite Glass‐Ceramic from a Combined Use of X‐Ray Diffraction,Solid‐State NMR,and Microscopy

Glass‐ceramics are multi‐phase materials that are comprised of one amorphous phase and at least one crystalline phase. Their versatile performance and properties can be engineered by alterations of the three fundamental steps – formulation and production of the amorphous base glass, nucleation, and crystallization. Efforts have been made on syntheses of glass‐ceramics with different components, yet little is known about the details of nucleation and crystallization processes that are essential for tailoring glass‐ceramic properties. Herein, we investigate the nucleation and crystallization mechanisms of a multi‐component, that is SiO₂‐Al₂O₃‐CaO‐Li₂O‐K₂O‐P₂O₅‐F, glass‐ceramic system by a combined use of powder X‐ray diffraction (pXRD), solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and electron microscopic (EM) techniques. The role of P₂O₅ in the nucleation and crystallization processes is particularly studied. We show that the formation of lithium silicate crystals being independent of the P₂O₅‐associated crystals, and the separation of P₂O₅ phases into individual growth domains of lithium orthophosphate and fluorapatite. We also observe the non‐uniform distribution of fluorapatite particles that explains the opalescence effect of this glass‐ceramic.     

Interaction in the Li2Mo3O10-CO(NH2)2-H2O system at 25°C

The solubilities and solid phases in the Li₂Mo₃O₁₀-CO(NH₂)₂-H₂O system at 25°C are studied. A compound of composition Li₂Mo₃O₁₀ · 6CO(NH₂)₂ · 4H₂O and lithium trimolybdate decahydrate Li₂Mo₃O₁₀ · 10H₂O are found to exist. The Li₂Mo₃O₁₀ · 6CO(NH₂)₂ · 4H₂O ray crosses the solubility isotherm, which indicates the congruent solubility of the double compound in water. The density, refractive index, dynamic viscosity, surface tension, electrical conductivity, and pH of saturated solutions of the system are determined. The molar volume, equivalent electrical conductivity, reduced conductivity, and solution ionic strength isotherms are calculated. A strong correlation between all the property isotherms and the solubility is observed.