Impedance spectroscopy of lithium-carbon electrodes

The methods of coulometric titration and electrode impedance spectroscopy are used in studying the behavior of carbon film electrodes free of binding and conducting additives in the course of reversible lithium intercalation from nonaqueous electrolytes. The electrodes with the high and low degrees of graphitization are studied. The measurements are performed in the frequency range from 10⁵ to 10^?2 Hz with the lithium concentration in intercalate varied from 0.025 mol/cm³ (corresponds to LiC₆) to a state free of lithium. The factors responsible for the hysteresis in charge-discharge curves, the versions of equivalent circuits (EC) suitable for modeling the impedance spectra of Li _x C₆ electrodes, the dependence of EC parameters and the lithium diffusion coefficient on the concentration are discussed. It is shown that all experimental impedance spectra can be adequately modeled by a common general EC. The concentration dependences are consistent with the earlier data of pulse methods. The diffusion coefficient varies approximately from 10^?12 to 10^?13 cm²/s.     

Lithium Incorporation into Titanium Dioxide Films from a Propylene Carbonate Solution: A Photoelectrochemical Study

Photoelectrochemical behavior of thin-film TiO₂ electrodes produced by chemical and electrochemical oxidation of a titanium substrate is studied at potentials corresponding to the domain of active incorporation/extraction of lithium in an LiClO₄ solution in propylene carbonate (1.0 V <; E <; 2.5 V vs. Li/Li⁺) and the inert domain (2.6 V <; E <; 3.6 V). Spectral and current–voltage characteristics are obtained for the photocurrent of TiO₂- and Li _x TiO₂-electrodes, which show n-semiconductor properties, in particular, generate an anodic (hole) photocurrent under illumination. The disappearance of the anodic photocurrent and the onset of a small cathodic photocurrent correlate with the beginning of active incorporation of lithium into the source oxide. The photosensitivity of intercalate Li _x TiO₂ in the studied domain of spectrum is low and decreases with increasing lithium concentration. A photoeffect is discovered in the long-wave domain of spectrum beyond the limits of intrinsic absorption of a solid. The photocurrent is described by a characteristic exponential spectral curve.     

Intercalation processes influence the structure and electrophysical properties of lithium-conducting compounds having defect perovskite structure

The structural features and electrophysical properties of lithium-conducting compounds having defect perovskite structure based on Li_0.5La_0.5Nb₂O₆ and Li_0.5La_0.5TiO₃ were studied using X-ray diffraction and synchrotron analyses, potentiometry, and complex impedance spectroscopy. Intercalated lithium was found to differently influence ion conductance in titanium- and niobium-containing materials. This difference was found to arise from the structural features of the materials. The systems studied have high chemical diffusion coefficients of lithium (D _Li⁺ = 1 × 10⁻⁶ cm²/s for Li_0.5La_0.5Nb₂O₆ and D _Li⁺ = 3.3 × 10⁻⁷ cm²/s for Li_0.5La_0.5TiO₃).     

Determination of diffusion coefficient of lithium in substituted LiMn1.95Cr0.05O4 spinel using impedance technique

Electrodiffusion properties of chromium-substituted lithium-manganese spinel Li _x Mn_1.95Cr_0.05O₄ intended for application as a cathodic material for lithium-ion batteries is studied. The studies are carried out at 25°C using the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technique in alkyl-carbonate electrolyte. In the analysis of impedance spectra, the apparatus of electric equivalent circuits was employed to determine surface layer resistances, double electric layer capacitance, differential intercalation capacity, chemical diffusion coefficient D of lithium, and other electrode characteristics. The issues of substantiating the choice of electric equivalent circuits and correct interpretation of their elements are discussed; dependences of the calculated model parameters on the electrode potential (lithium concentration in the electrode) are analyzed. The chemical diffusion coefficient of Li⁺ in Li _x Mn_1.95Cr_0.05O₄ found on the basis of the impedance spectra is in the range of 10^?9 to 10^?12 cm²/s under electrode potential variation in the range of 3.5–4.5 V (vs. Li/Li⁺) with a pronounced minimum of D in the middle of this range. Repeated cycling of the electrode is accompanied by a gradual increase in resistance of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI).     

Electrical conductivity studies in the system Li<Subscript>2</Subscript>TiO<Subscript>3</Subscript>-Li<Subscript>1.33</Subscript>Ti<Subscript>1.67</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>

Electrical conductivity in the monoclinic Li₂TiO₃, cubic Li_1.33Ti_1.67O₄, and in their mixture has been studied by impedance spectroscopy in the temperature range 20–730 °C. Li₂TiO₃ shows low lithium ion conductivity, σ₃₀₀≈10^–6 S/cm at 300 °C, whereas Li_1.33Ti_1.67O₄ has 3×10^–8 at 20 °C and 3×10^–4 S/cm at 300 °C. Structural properties are used to discuss the observed conductivity features. The conductivity dependences on temperature in the coordinates of 1000/T versus log_e(σT) are not linear, as the conductivity mechanism changes. Extrinsic and intrinsic conductivity regions are observed. The change in the conductivity mechanism in Li₂TiO₃ at around 500–600 °C is observed and considered as an effect of the first-order phase transition, not reported before. Formation of solid solutions of Li_{2– x} Ti_{1+ x} O₃ above 900 °C significantly increases the conductivity. Irradiation by high-energy (5 MeV) electrons causes defects and the conductivity in Li₂TiO₃ increases exponentially. A dose of 144 MGy yields an increase in conductivity of about 100 times at room temperature. Electronic Publication     

Kinetics of Anodic Dissolution of Lithium out of Li x C6 Electrodes in Nonaqueous Lithium Perchlorate Solutions

Kinetics of processes occurring during anodic dissolution of Li _x C₆ electrodes formed in structures of carbonized fiber and cloth (CC) in solutions of lithium perchlorate in a mixture of propylene carbonate and dimethoxyethane is studied. It is shown that the Li _x C₆ (CC) electrodes have an approximately three times greater intercalation capacity, which is caused by specific features of the structure of CC. Values of the initial concentration of lithium defects in the structure of a surface layer of the CC matrix and the diffusion coefficients for lithium in the temperature range 293–323 K are calculated.     

Determination of diffusion coefficient of lithium in LiMyMn2 ? yO4 spinels using potentiostatic intermittent titration technique

The potentiostatic intermittent titration technique is used to study lithium transport in the LiM _yMn_{2 − y} O₄ compounds with a spinel structure intended for application as cathodic materials in lithiumion and lithium-polymer batteries. The materials are synthesized using the sol-gel method and the melt-impregnation method. Kinetic and diffusion characteristics of the Li _x Mn₂O₄ and Li _x Mn_1.95Cr_0.05O₄ compounds are determined at 25°C as dependent on lithium content 0 < x < 1. The diffusion coefficient of lithium varies significantly in the range of 10⁻¹⁰ to 10⁻¹³ cm²/s under variation of the electrode composition; the surface resistance depends weakly on the concentration of lithium and is 200–500 Ohm cm².     

Determination of diffusion coefficient of lithium in LiMyMn2 ? yO4 spinels using galvanostatic intermittent titration technique

The galvanostatic intermittent titration technique is used to study lithium transport in the LiM _y Mn_{2 − y} O₄ compounds with a spinel structure intended for application as cathodic materials in lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries. Equilibrium intercalation isotherms of the Li _x Mn₂O₄ and Li _x Mn_1.95Cr_0.05O₄ compounds and also their diffusion characteristics are determined at 25°C as dependent on lithium content x, 0 < x < 1. The diffusion coefficient of lithium varies in a complex way in the range of 10⁻¹⁰ to 10⁻¹² cm²/s under variation of the electrode composition.     

Impedance spectroscopy of lithium-tin film electrodes

A method of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used to study the reversible lithium intercalation from nonaqueous electrolyte into tin films with the thickness of 0.1–1 μm. The impedance spectra of lithium-tin (Li _x Sn) electrodes have a complicated shape depending on the electrode state and prehistory; they reflect the occurrence of several consecutive and parallel processes, including the lithium migration, diffusion, and accumulation. The formation of a solid-electrolyte layer on the surface at Li intercalation into Sn is observed. Equivalent circuits are proposed that adequately model the experimental data on the Li _x Sn electrodes both freshly prepared and after prolonged cycling. Problems associated with the choice of equivalent circuits and determination of their parameters, the accuracy of the diffusion coefficient determination, the trends in the parameters’ variation with electrode potential (composition) are discussed.     

Structural and Electrochemical Study of Vanadium‐Doped TiO2 Ramsdellite with Superior Lithium Storage Properties for Lithium‐Ion Batteries

Titanium‐oxide‐based materials are considered attractive and safe alternatives to carbonaceous anodes in Li‐ion batteries. In particular, the ramsdellite form TiO₂(R) is known for its superior lithium‐storage ability as the bulk material when compared with other titanates. In this work, we prepared V‐doped lithium titanate ramsdellites with the formula Li_0.5Ti_1?xV_xO₂ (0≤x≤0.5) by a conventional solid‐state reaction. The lithium‐free Ti_1?xV_xO₂ compounds, in which the ramsdellite framework remains virtually unaltered, are easily obtained by a simple aqueous oxidation/ion‐extraction process. Neutron powder diffraction is used to locate the Li channel site in Li_0.5Ti_1?xV_xO₂ compounds and to follow the lithium extraction by difference‐Fourier maps. Previously delithiated Ti_1?xV_xO₂ ramsdellites are able to insert up to 0.8 Li⁺ per transition‐metal atom. The initial gravimetric capacities of 270 mAh g^?1 with good cycle stability under constant current discharge conditions are among the highest reported for bulk TiO₂‐related intercalation compounds for the threshold of one e^? per formula unit.     

Electrochemical Behavior of Partially-Discharged Li x V2O5 Electrodes upon Interruption of Current

A mathematical diffusion model, which takes into account the electrochemical behavior of partially-discharged thin-layer electrodes made of intercalation materials upon interruption of circuit, is put forward. The applicability of the model is tested by the example of Li _x V₂O₅ films. According to theoretical calculations and experimental data, the equilibrium potential of the films studied depends practically linearly on the degree of intercalation with a slope of –0.8 V for intercalation degrees of 0.3–0.7. The chemical diffusion coefficient of lithium in the films is equal to 1.5 × 10^–11 cm²/s and changes insignificantly at these intercalation degrees.     

Electrochemical insertion of lithium into the ramsdellite-type oxide Li2Ti3O7: influence of the Li2Ti3O7 particle size

The effect of a milling process on the electrochemical performance of Li₂Ti₃O₇ electrodes has been investigated by the galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) and AC impedance spectroscopy. The insertion ratio is slightly increased by the milling treatment and a value of x _Li=1.25 per mol Li₂Ti₃O₇ has been determined. The average potential during insertion is close to 1.5 V/Li. The analysis of impedance data obtained at equilibrium during insertion and deinsertion shows two relaxation processes and a diffusion phenomenon at low frequency according to the Frumkin-Melik-Gayakazian model. Cycling experiments of batteries using this material were performed with unmilled and milled particles. Composite electrodes containing different amounts of electroactive material added to a binder and a conductive additive have also been prepared in order to check the effect of grinding on the cyclability of the compound. Interesting electrochemical performances have been determined with such electrodes: lithium uptake up to 1.25 Li per Li₂Ti₃O₇, low irreversible capacity loss between the first and the following cycles, good stability upon cycling even after 50 cycles. However, the milled process has not improved significantly the electrochemical performance of the Li₂Ti₃O₇ electrodes. Electronic Publication     

Reversibility of the lithium—vanadium bronze structure when cycled

Positive electrodes of secondary lithium batteries, based on Li^{1 + x}V₃O₈ obtained by the alcoxytechnology, are studied. As lithium intercalates, the initial crystalline bronze turns amorphous, remaining single-phase. An increase in the lithiation degreex leads to an almost linear decrease in parametera and increase in parametersb andc of the bronze crystal lattice; the changes are quite reversible when cycling. A noticeable degradation of electric characteristics of electrodes is unrelated to irreversible structural changes and may be explained by the formation of passive films on the bronze surface.     

Lithium insertion into titanium dioxide (anatase) electrodes: microstructure and electrolyte effects

Insertion characteristics of anatase electrodes were studied on single-crystal and polycrystalline electrodes of different microstructures. The lithium incorporation from propylene carbonate solution containing LiClO₄ and Li(CF₃SO₂)₂N was studied by means of cyclic voltammetry (CV), the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and the galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT). The electrode microstructure affects both the accessible coefficient x and the reversibility of the process. The highest insertion activity was observed for electrodes composed of crystals with characteristic dimensions of ∼10^–8 m. The insertion properties deteriorate for higher as well as for smaller crystal sizes. Enhanced insertion was observed in Li(CF₃SO₂)₂N-containing solutions. Lithium insertion is satisfactorily reversible for mesoscopic electrodes; the reversibility in the case of compact polycrystalline and single-crystal electrodes is poor. The reversibility of the insertion improves with increasing electrolyte concentration. The lithium diffusion coefficient decreases with increasing x and ranges between 10^–15 and 10^–18 cm² s^–1. Electronic Publication     

Layered xLiMO2·(1−x)Li2M′O3 electrodes for lithium batteries: a study of 0.95LiMn0.5Ni0.5O2·0.05Li2TiO3

The electrochemical properties of 0.95LiMn_0.5Ni_0.5O₂·0.05Li₂TiO₃ have been investigated as part of a study of xLiMO₂·(1−x)Li₂M^′O₃ electrode systems for lithium batteries in which M=Co, Ni, Mn and M^′=Ti, Zr, Mn. The data indicate that the electrochemically inactive Li₂TiO₃ component contributes to the stabilization of LiMn_0.5Ni_0.5O₂ electrodes, which improves the coulombic efficiency of Li/xLiMn_0.5Ni_0.5O₂·(1−x)Li₂TiO₃ cells for x<1. The 0.95LiMn_0.5Ni_0.5O₂·0.05Li₂TiO₃ electrodes provide a rechargeable capacity of approximately 175 mAh/g at 50 °C when cycled between 4.6 and 2.5 V; there is no indication of spinel formation during electrochemical cycling.     

The role of Li2MO2 structures (M=metal ion) in the electrochemistry of (x)LiMn0.5Ni0.5O2·(1−x)Li2TiO3 electrodes for lithium-ion batteries

The electrochemical reactions of lithium with layered composite electrodes (x)LiMn_0.5Ni_0.5O₂·(1−x)Li₂TiO₃ were investigated at low voltages. The metal oxide 0.95LiMn_0.5Ni_0.5O₂·0.05Li₂TiO₃ (x=0.95) which can also be represented in layered notation as Li(Mn_0.46Ni_0.46Ti_0.05Li_0.02)O₂, can react with one equivalent of lithium during an initial discharge from 3.2 to 1.4 V vs. Li⁰. The electrochemical reaction, which corresponds to a theoretical capacity of 286 mAh/g, is hypothesized to form Li₂(Mn_0.46Ni_0.46Ti_0.05Li_0.02)O₂ that is isostructural with Li₂MnO₂ and Li₂NiO₂. Similar low-voltage electrochemical behavior is also observed with unsubstituted, standard LiMn_0.5Ni_0.5O₂ electrodes (x=1). In situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) data of Li(Mn_0.46Ni_0.46Ti_0.05Li_0.02)O₂ electrodes indicate that the low-voltage (<1.8 V) reaction is associated primarily with the reduction of Mn⁴⁺ to Mn²⁺. Symmetric rocking-chair cells with the configuration Li(Mn_0.46Ni_0.46Ti_0.05Li_0.02)O₂/Li(Mn_0.46Ni_0.46Ti_0.05Li_0.02)O₂ were tested. These electrodes provide a rechargeable capacity in excess of 300 mAh/g when charged and discharged over a 3.3 to −3.3 V range and show an insignificant capacity loss on the initial cycle. These findings have implications for combating the capacity-loss effects at graphite, metal–alloy, or intermetallic negative electrodes against lithium metal-oxide positive electrodes of conventional lithium-ion cells.     

Sol-gel Synthesis and Electrochemical Performance of Li4-xMgxTi5-xZrxO12 Anode Material for Lithium-ion Batteries

The anode materials Li_4?xMg_xTi_5?xZr_xO₁₂ (x=0, 0.05, 0.1) were successfully synthesized by sol‐gel method using Ti(OC₄H₉)₄, CH₃COOLi·2H₂O, MgCl₂·6H₂O and Zr(NO₃)₃·6H₂O as raw materials. The crystalline structure, morphology and electrochemical properties of the as‐prepared materials were characterized by XRD, SEM, cyclic voltammograms (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and charge‐discharge cycling tests. The results show that the lattice parameters of the Mg‐Zr doped samples are slightly larger than that of the pure Li₄Ti₅O₁₂, and Mg‐Zr doping does not change the basic Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ structure. The rate capability of Li_4?xMg_xTi_5?xZr_xO₁₂ (x=0.05, 0.1) electrodes is significantly improved due to the expansile Li⁺ diffusion channel and reduced charge transfer resistance. In this study, Li_3.95Mg_0.05Ti_4.95Zr_0.05O₁₂ represented a relatively good rate capability and cycling stability, after 400 cycles at 10 C, the discharge capacity retained as 134.74 mAh·g^?1 with capacity retention close to 100%. The excellent rate capability and good cycling performance make Li_3.95Mg_0.05Ti_4.95Zr_0.05O₁₂ a promising anode material in lithium‐ion batteries.     

Characterization of zinc-modified lithium tantalate thin films fabricated by chemical solution deposition method

Zinc-substituted lithium tantalate thin films were fabricated for improving the electrical resistivity by compensating the valence of lattice defects in LiTaO₃ crystal. The films with the chemical composition of (Li_1.00-x Zn _x )TaO₃ were fabricated on (111)Pt/TiO₂/SiO₂/(100)Si substrate by a chemical solution deposition technique using metal-organic precursors. Dense films consisting of a ilumenite-type crystalline phase were deposited by spin coating on the substrates, followed by heat-treatment at 650°C for 5 min in air. The leakage current density of the LiTaO₃ film was reduced from approximately 10⁻⁴ to 10⁻⁶ A/cm² by substituting Zn²⁺ ions for Li⁺ ions in the LiTaO₃ films. Polarization–electric field hysteresis loop was improved significantly by partial substitution of Zn²⁺ for Li⁺ ions, which is based on the enhancement of electrical resistivity.     

Li7PS6 and Li6PS5X (X: Cl,Br, I): Possible Three‐dimensional Diffusion Pathways for Lithium Ions and Temperature Dependence of the Ionic Conductivity by Impedance Measurements

Possible three‐dimensional diffusion pathways of lithium ions in crystalline lithium argyrodites are discussed based on earlier studies of local dynamics and site preferences. The specific Li‐ionic conductivities of the lithium argyrodites Li₇PS₆ and Li₆PS₅X (X: Cl, Br, I) and their temperature dependences are measured by impedance spectroscopy using different electron‐blocking and ion‐blocking electrode systems. Measurements were carried out between 160 K and 550 K depending on the respective sample. Bulk and grain boundary contributions and the influence of sample preparation are discussed. Typical values for the ionic conductivities at room temperature are in the range 10^–7 to 10^–5 S ·  cm^–1 and at 500 K between 10^–6 and 10^–3 S ·  cm^–1. Thermal activation energies are in the range 0.16 to 0.56 eV. The electronic conductivity at room temperature was measured by polarization measurements for the samples Li₆PS₅X (X: Cl, Br) and was shown to be in the order of magnitude of 10^–8 S ·  cm^–1. Chemical diffusion coefficients of lithium were calculated based on the polarization measurements. For Li₆PS₅Br a high value of 3.5 × 10^–6 cm² · s^–1 was found.     

Study on Lithium Insertion in Lepidocrocite and ,λ-MnO2 Type TiO2： A First-Principles Prediction

TiO2 is a latent anode material for rechargeable lithium batteries. Our simulation models, basing lepidocrocite and 2-MnO2 type TiO2 were investigated by density functional theory （DFT）. The key issues are focused on the lithium insertion sites, electronic structures, and the conducting paths of Li＋ ions. Our calculated data indicate the calculated voltage of 2-MnO2 type TiO2 is higher than that of lepidocrocite type TiO2. The Li＋ ion migration energy barrier of lepidocroeite type YiO2 along the [1 0 0] direction （0.45 eV） is lower than that of along the [110] direction （0.57 eV）. The energy barriers of 2-MnO2 type TiO2 to move a Li＋ ion among the adjacent embedded sites （16c or 8a sites） is 0.68 eV.