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An in situ x-ray absorption spectroscopy study of InSb electrodes in lithium batteries.

Journal Article · · APS Forefront

We present a detailed in situ extended X-ray absorption fine-structure spectroscopy (EXAFS) study of structural and compositional changes in InSb intermetallic electrodes under electrochemical cycling conditions in a lithium battery. Analysis of the EXAFS data shows that Li is inserted into and In is extruded from the zinc-blende-type InSb network during the first discharge from 1.5 to 0.5 V, yielding changing Li{sub x+y}In{sub 1-y}Sb compositions (0 < x {le} 2, 0 < y {le} 1), with a lattice parameter that varies between that of InSb (a = 6.478 A) and Li{sub 3}Sb (a = 6.572 A). The structural features of tetragonal metallic In and lithiated (i.e., In depleted) InSb are evident. The fully recharged electrode, at 1.2 V, has a zinc-blende framework closely resembling InSb. However, 40% of the In remains permanently outside the face-centered-cubic Sb lattice, explaining a loss in capacity after the first discharge. After the second discharge, at 0.51 V, Li has replaced about 80% of the indium in the InSb lattice, while the Li{sub x}In{sub y}Sb volume has expanded less than 4% compared to the initial electrode. Finally, as the cell is discharged below 0.51 V, Li reacts with the In metal, forming LiIn. Our results indicate that intermetallic electrodes are promising alternative negative electrodes for Li batteries.

Research Organization:
Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)
Sponsoring Organization:
SC; EE
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-06CH11357
OSTI ID:
953409
Report Number(s):
ANL/APS/TB-42
Journal Information:
APS Forefront, Journal Name: APS Forefront Journal Issue: Nov. 1, 2001
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
ENGLISH

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