β NMR on8Li in the superiqnic conductor Li3N

Polarized⁸Li nuclei were produced in a Li₃N single crystal by irradiation with polarized neutrons, Β-ray detected NMR signals and spin-lattice relaxation of⁸Li were observed between B and 300 K. In Li₃N there are two non-equivalent Li sites. The corresponding two quadrupole split NMR spectra could be resolved. From the measured relaxation rates activation enthalpies for two diffusion processes were deduced.     

New prospects in studying Li diffusion—two-time stimulated echo NMR of spin-3/2 nuclei

The measurement of diffusion parameters like activation energies and translational jump rates of small cations plays a key role in materials science. Especially the in-depth investigation of Li diffusion in ionic conductors is of great interest, because suitable ionic conductors are needed for, e.g., the development of new secondary ion battery systems. As the standard tracer method is not applicable to study Li diffusion due to the lack of a suitable radioactive isotope, Li diffusion is alternatively probed by solid state NMR techniques. With the different NMR methods being available, diffusion processes can be studied on different length- and timescales. In the present paper we use two-time spin-alignment echo (SAE) NMR for the direct, i.e., model independent, measurement of extremely small translational Li jump rates. To this end, different crystalline and glassy ion conductors like Li_xTiS₂, Li₄SiO₄ as well as LiNbO₃ served as model substances to reveal the special features of this technique. SAE-NMR, which was originally developed for deuterons, has also been applied in a few cases to spin-3/2 nuclei, like ⁷Li, before. The corresponding correlation functions yield not only information about diffusion parameters but also about geometric properties of the diffusion pathways, making SAE-NMR a powerful method which complements well-established NMR techniques.     

7Li NMR study on Li+ ionic diffusion and phase transition in LixCoO2

The temperature dependence of the spin-lattice relaxation time, T₁ and the line width of the ⁷Li nucleus were measured in delithiated Li_xCoO₂ (x = 0.6, 0.8, 1.0). Two different relaxation behaviors were observed in the temperature dependence of T₁^− 1 in a x = 0.8 sample. These would have arisen from inequivalent Li sites in two coexisting phases; an original hexagonal (HEX-I) and a modified hexagonal (HEX-II) phase in the x = 0.8 sample. We analyzed using a phenomenological non Debye-type relaxation model. Motional narrowing in the line width was observed in each sample, the result revealing that Li⁺ ions begin to move at low temperature in samples with less Li content. It was found that the activation energy associating with Li⁺ ion hopping in the HEX-II phase is smaller than that in the HEX-I phase. These results show that the HEX-II phase produced in the Li deintercalation process would be suitable for Li⁺ ionic diffusion in multi-phase Li_xCoO₂, and it is expected that this would enable fast ionic diffusion. Li⁺ ionic diffusion related to phase transition is discussed from ⁷Li NMR results.     

Structural and electrochemical study on Li(Li1/3Ti5/3)O4 anode material for lithium ion batteries

Chemical and electrochemical studies have shown that various titanium oxides can incorporate lithium in different ratios. Other compounds with a spinel-type structure and corresponding to the spinel oxides LiTi₂O₄ and Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ have been evaluated in rechargeable lithium cells with promising features. The spinel Li[Li_1/3Ti_5/3]O₄ [1–5] compound is a very appealing electrode material for lithium ion batteries. The lithium insertion-deinsertion process occurs with a minimal variation of the cubic unit cell and this assures high stability which may reflect into long cyclability. In addition, the diffusion coefficient of lithium is of the order of 10⁻⁸ cm²s⁻¹ [5] and this suggests fast kinetics which may reflect in high power capabilities. In this work we report a study on the kinetics and the structural properties of the Li[Li_1/3Ti_5/3]O₄ intercalation electrode carried out by: cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic cycling and in-situ X-ray diffraction. The electrochemical characterization shows that the Li[Li_1/3Ti_5/3]O₄ electrode cycles around 1.56 V vs. Li with a capacity of the order of 130 mAhg⁻¹ which approaches the maximum value of 175 mAhg⁻¹ corresponding to the insertion of 1 equivalent per formula unit. The delivered capacity remains constant for hundred cycles confirming the stability of the host structure upon the repeated Li insertion-deinsertion process. This high structural stability has been confirmed by in situ Energy Dispersion X-ray analysis. Paper presented at the 7th Euroconference on Ionics, Calcatoggio, Corsica, France, Oct. 1–7, 2000.     

7Li and 51V NMR study on Li+ ionic diffusion in lithium intercalated LixV2O5

Li_xV₂O₅ (0.4 < x < 1.4) prepared by solid-state reaction were studied by ⁷Li and ⁵¹V NMR spectroscopy. ⁷Li NMR spectra showed a narrowing of the line width in relation to Li⁺ionic diffusion. Analysis of Li_xV₂O₅ using a Debye-type relaxation model showed a low activation energy ∼0.07 eV in the sample of x = 0.4 below room temperature, and revealed a Li⁺ionic diffusion with larger activation energy ∼0.5 eV above 450 K in lithium-rich samples. The latter is ascribed to the existence of a multi-phase system comprising stable ɛ- and γ-phases, resulting from complicated phase transitions at high temperature. These shapes and shifts enable the classification of the β-, ɛ-, δ-, and γ-phases. The ionic diffusion of Li⁺ ions is discussed in relation to the complicated phase transitions.     

NMR studies of cation transport in the crystalline ion conductors MCF3SO3 (M = Li,Na) and Li7TaO6

In this contribution we present studies on the mechanism of ion transport in crystalline solid electrolytes employing a range of different solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments. The first part is devoted to the elucidation of a possible correlation of cation transport and anion reorientation in the dynamically disordered rotor phases of alkali trifluoromethane sulfonates MCF₃SO₃ (M = Li, Na) employing ⁷Li, ¹³C, ¹⁷O and ²³Na NMR line shape analysis, whereas the second part focuses on the tracking of cation diffusion pathways in the hexaoxometalate Li₇TaO₆ utilizing ⁶Li 1D and 2D exchange MAS NMR approaches.     

Correlation between Li+ adsorption capacity and the preparation conditions of spinel lithium manganese precursor

Spinel lithium manganese oxides can be used as Li⁺ adsorbent with topotactical extraction of lithium. In this paper, the solid state methods were introduced to prepare spinel lithium manganese precursors with Li₂CO₃ and LiOH·H₂O as different Li sources. The Li⁺ uptake was studied to clarify the correction between Li⁺ adsorption capacity and the preparation conditions of precursors, including different Li sources, Li/Mn mole ratios and heating time. The results indicated that the Li⁺-extracted materials prepared with LiOH·H₂O and MnCO₃ usually have higher Li⁺ adsorption capacity than Li₂CO₃ and MnCO₃, and an ascending trend was found in Li⁺ uptake with increasing Li/Mn mole ratio in the preparation of the precursor, but it is not proportional. The Mn₂O₃ impurities could be the primary reason for decreasing Li⁺ adsorption capacity. Furthermore, it is concluded that the Li⁺-extracted materials obtained from spinel manganese oxides synthesized with Li/Mn = 1.0 can serve as selective Li⁺ absorbents due to its high selectivity and large adsorption capacity.     

A1Σu+-X1Σg+ and B1Πu-X1Σg+ fluorescence of 6Li2 and 6Li7Li excited by a krypton ion laser

The A¹Σ_u⁺-X¹Σ_g⁺ and B¹Π_u-X¹Σ_g⁺ fluorescence of the ⁶Li₂ and ⁶Li⁷Li molecules has been studied for all krypton ion laser lines (468.0–799.3 nm) which might be expected to excite such fluorescence. Only two A-X fluorescence series of ⁶Li₂ were found (one excited by 647.1 nm, and one by 752.5 nm). No A-X fluorescence series of ⁶Li⁷Li was found. Five B-X fluorescence series of ⁶Li₂ were found (one each excited by 468.0, 476.2, and 530.9 nm, and two by 568.2 nm). Four B-X fluorescence series of ⁶Li⁷Li were found (one each excited by 468.0 and 482.5 nm and two by 520.8 nm). Calculated Einstein A coefficients and lifetimes for these transitions are also given.     

Ionic Pathways in Li13Si4 investigated by 6Li and 7Li solid state NMR experiments

Local environments and dynamics of lithium ions in the binary lithium silicide Li₁₃Si₄ have been studied by ⁶Li MAS-NMR, ⁷Li spin-lattice relaxation time and site-resolved ⁷Li 2D exchange NMR measurements as a function of mixing time. Variable temperature experiments result in distinct differences in activation energies characterizing the transfer rates between the different lithium sites. Based on this information, a comprehensive picture of the preferred ionic transfer pathways in this silicide has been developed. With respect to local mobility, the results of the present study suggests the ordering Li6/Li7>Li5>Li1>Li4 >Li2/Li3. Mobility within the z=0.5 plane is distinctly higher than within the z=0 plane, and the ionic transfer between the planes is most facile via Li1/Li5 exchange. The lithium ionic mobility can be rationalized on the basis of the type of the coordinating silicide anions and the lithium-lithium distances within the structure. Lithium ions strongly interacting with the isolated Si⁴⁻ anions have distinctly lower mobility than those the coordination of which is dominated by Si₂⁶⁻ dumbbells.     

Solid solutions Li1+xV3O8 as cathodes for high rate secondary Li batteries

Following a preliminary investigation, Li/Li_1+xV₃O₈ cells have been examined. Using samples of low x content, up to 3 eq Li⁺ could be accepted both chemically and electrochemically by one mole of active material. Li⁺ is accomodated in the tetrahedral sites existing between the (V₃O₈)^(1+x)- layers. Li⁺ jumping from site to site is fast and permits high rate capabilities: at 10 mA/cm², 1.1 eq Li⁺ per mole could still be inserted. The structure does not show irreversible alterations upon extended lithiation, allowing long cycle lives to be achieved. Kinetic constraints limit the recovery of the full capacity of the first discharge at medium-high rates, but the second-discharge capacity declines slowly with cycle number.     

6Li and 7Li MAS NMR spectra of complex lyonsite-type Li2Zn2(MoO4)3 and LiRb3Hf2(MoO4)6 lithium molybdates

⁶Li and ⁷Li MAS NMR spectra of complex Li₂Zn₂(MoO₄)₃ and LiRb₃Hf₂(MoO₄)₆ molybdates of lyonsite-type structure are studied at temperatures ranging from 25 to 100°C. NMR signals are attributed to their sources. It is shown that the presence of a transition metal such as Hf in the +4 oxidation state in the structure of lyonsite contributes to the increased mobility of lithium ions along the channels of the crystal structure.     

Synthesis of flower-like Li3V2(PO4)3/C cathode with mixed morphology for advanced lithium-ion batteries

A rheological phase-assisted ball milling method was developed to synthesize of flower-like Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃/C composites consisting of nanofibers and nanoplate porous microstructure. The flower-like Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃/C composite delivered specific capacities of 120 and 108 mAh g^?1 at 0.5 and 10 C rates, respectively. A capacity retention of 99.5 % was sustained after 100 cycles at a 10-C cycling rate. The remarkable performance was attributed to the porous nanostructures that provide short electron/ion diffusion distance and large electrode/electrolyte contact area.     

Single nucleon transfer reactions in6Li+6Li collisions at 156 MeV

Single nucleon transfer reactions in collisions of 156 MeV⁶Li ions with⁶Li nuclei, leading to unstable final nuclei (⁵Li,⁵He) have been experimentally studied. The measured⁶Li(⁶Li,⁷Li)⁵Li_gr and⁶Li(⁶Li,⁷Be)⁵He_gr differential cross sections have been analysed on the basis of a FR-DWBA procedure, looking to which extent the entrance channel optical potentials may account for the unknown exit channel potentials.     

Electrochemical behavior of Li intercalation processes into a Li[NixLi(1/3−2x/3)Mn(2/3−x/3)]O2 cathode

Li[Ni_xLi_(1/3−2x/3)Mn_(2/3−x/3)]O₂ (X=0.17, 0.25, 0.33, 0.5) compounds are prepared by a simple combustion method. The Rietvelt analysis shows that these compounds could be classified as having the α-NaFeO₂ structure. The initial charge-discharge and irreversible capacity increases with the decrease of x in Li[Ni_xLi_(1/3−2x/3)Mn_(2/3−x/3)]O₂. Indeed, Li[Ni_0.50Mn_0.50]O₂ compound shows relatively low initial discharge capacity of 200 mAh/g and large capacity loss during cycling, with Li[Ni_0.17Li_0.22Mn_0.61]O₂ and Li[Ni_0.25Li_0.17Mn₀.₅₈]O₂ compounds exhibit high initial discharge capacity over 245 mAh/g and stable cycle performance in the voltage range of 4.8 -2.0 V. On the other hand, XANES analysis shows that the oxidation state of Ni ion reversibly changes between Ni²⁺ and about Ni³⁺, while the oxidation state of Mn ion sustains Mn⁴⁺ during charge-discharge process. This result does not agree with the previously reported ‘electrochemistry model’ of Li[Ni_xLi_(1/3−2x/3)Mn_(2/3−x/3)]O₂, in which Ni ion changes between Ni²⁺ and NI⁴⁺. Based on these results, we modified oxidation-state change of Mn and Ni ion during charge-discharge process.     

Structure of Li2MnO3 with different degrees of defects

The synthesis and structural properties of the layered oxide Li₂MnO₃ have been studied in details. It represents a key for a better understanding of the complex structural evolutions pointed out in the materials like Li(Li,Ni,Mn,Co)O₂ when they are used as positive electrode materials in lithium-ion batteries. Li₂MnO₃ samples were prepared either via coprecipitation or via a two step solid state reaction followed by different annealing treatments. Using X-ray and electron diffraction in combination with diffraction data simulations, we show that in function of the synthesis conditions, Li₂MnO₃ is obtained with various degrees of disorder, along the c monoclinic direction, in the stacking of the ordered Li_1/3Mn_2/3 sheets within the cfc oxygen packing. We show that this disorder decreases when the synthesis temperature increases but the synthesis of a material free of stacking faults is not possible with these synthesis routes. Finally, the similarities between the evolutions pointed out in Li₂MnO₃ due to the synthesis conditions and those previously observed in the materials like Li(Li,Ni,Mn,Co)O₂ related to the evolution of the cations distribution in the slabs are underlined.     

Lithium superionic conductors Li3InBr6 and LiInBr4 studied by 7Li, 115In NMR

Li₃InBr₆ undergoes a phase transition to a superionic phase at 314 K associated with a steep increase of the conductivity (σ = 4 × 10^− 3 Scm^− 1 at 330 K). This superionic phase is isomorphous with Li₃InCl₆ in which a positional disorder at the In³⁺ site is introduced. A pseudo cubic-close-packing of the bromide ions is formed in this phase. On the other hand, a new superionic phase of LiInBr₄ was found above ca 315 K and its structure was confirmed to be a defect spinel. The dynamic properties of the cations in these two superionic phases were investigated by ⁷Li and ¹¹⁵In NMR spectroscopy.     

The roles of Li and F ions in Li-F-codoped TiO2 system

An overall comparative study was carried out on Li-doped, F-doped, and Li-F-codoped TiO₂ powders in order to elucidate the roles of Li⁺ and F⁻ ions in photocatalyst. The characteristic data were based on the analysis of XRD, XPS, and PL spectra. The effects of atomic ratio of Li/Ti and F/Ti on the photocatalytic activity were also investigated. As the results, Li doping accelerated the phase formation of rutile in lower temperature while F doping prevented the phase transition from anatase to rutile. Li doping inducted a large amount of O_OH on the surface of TiO₂, while F doping consumed much of O_OH. Li⁺ ions acted as the roles of recombination center of electron-hole pairs while F doping could restrain the recombination of electron-hole pairs on the center of Li⁺ ions. The roles of Li⁺ and F⁻ ions were also confirmed in the experimental section, where the photocatalytic activity of TiO₂ was improved greatly by synergistic reaction of Li⁺ and F⁻ ions.     

Effects of Al doping for Li[Li0.09Mn0.65*0.91Ni0.35*0.91]O2 cathode material

Li-rich Mn-based Li[Li_0.09Mn_{0.65*(0.91???x)} Ni_{0.35*(0.91???x)} Al _x ]O₂ cathode materials have been prepared by traditional solid-state reaction. The lattice parameters a, c, and V have decreased, but c/a increased with the increase of Al doping. All the samples show analogy morphology of a quasi-spherical shape. Li[Li_0.09Mn_0.591Ni_0.319]O₂ sample shows a higher initial discharge capacity of 239.4 mAh?g^?1 at 20 mA?g^?1, while Li[Li_0.09Mn_0.582Ni_0.314Al_0.015]O₂ sample presents a higher discharge capacity of 170.1 mAh?g^?1 and ratio of 72.0 % with 200 vs. 20 mA?g^?1. The solid electrolyte interface resistance (R _SEI) and charge transfer process resistance (R _ct ) values are relatively smaller for Al-doped samples than those of non-doped samples. Almost no reduction is observed after 24-time cycles in different discharge rates for the samples prepared.     

DFT analysis of lithium de-intercalation in Li2FeVO4

Density function theory study on novel lithium battery cathode material, Li₂FeVO₄, has been analyzed using full potential linearized augmented plane wave approach. Calculations are based on two types of ground states; (1) self-interaction correction applied to Fe atom only and (2) self-interaction correction applied to both Fe and V atoms. Calculations on geometrical structure (volume optimization/force minimization), electronic structure, and Li de-intercalation voltage suggest changes in the geometric/electronic structure of the Li⁺ de-intercalated component, (i.e., LiFeVO₄/FeVO₄) and end products in comparison to their pristine counterpart (i.e. Li₂FeVO₄). Calculated density of states indicate that Li₂FeVO₄ would either be metallic (for self-interaction correction (SIC) to Fe only) or have narrow band gap (～0.8 eV for SIC to both Fe/V). Calculation on de-intercalation voltage suggests two step de-lithiation process in Li₂FeVO₄ favoring high theoretical capacity (～290 mAh/g) and acceptable potential window vs. Li making it suitable as a novel cathode for lithium battery applications. However, it requires experimental validation.     

Thermodynamic study of lithium insertion in V6O13 and Li1+xV3O8

The enthalpies of Li⁺ insertion into two V oxides of interest as cathodes for secondary Li batteries, i.e. V₆O₁₃ and Li_1+xV₃O₈ have been directly measured by solution calorimetry. By comparing the integral molar enthalpies ΔH⁰/x with the corresponding ΔG⁰/x values, ΔS⁰/x higher than expected have been found for Li_1+xV₃O₈. This has been correlated to a reorganization of its distorted structure induced by the initial Li⁺ insertion. Two other cathode materials, having the same variation of the potential with Li⁺ content, i.e. MoO₃ and (Mo_0.3V_0.7)₂O₅, show even higher ΔS⁰/x values. The entropic values stemming from structural reorganizations add to the configurational entropies of inserted ions in determining the initial profile of E as a function of Li⁺.