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Title: Copper-tin anodes for rechargeable lithium batteries : an example of the matrix effect in an intermetallic system.

Conference ·
OSTI ID:10945

Lithium batteries are typically constructed from a lithium cobalt oxide cathode and a carbon anode. We have investigated intermetallic anode materials based on tin, which can provide a high capacity at a slightly higher voltage (400 mV) than metallic lithium and thus reduce the safety concerns associated with the carbon anode. In particular, we have investigated the copper-tin system at around the composition Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5} and have determined the effect on cycling and capacity of electrodes with various ratios of copper to tin. Anode compositions that are slightly copper rich (Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 4}) were found to exhibit greater utilization of the tin than those with the stoichiometric bronze ratio (Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 5}) or those having a slight excess of tin (Cu{sub 6}Sn{sub 6}). The differences in electrochemical behavior are explained in terms of an inert matrix model.

Research Organization:
Argonne National Lab., IL (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
US Department of Energy (US)
DOE Contract Number:
W-31109-ENG-38
OSTI ID:
10945
Report Number(s):
ANL/CMT/CP-97204; TRN: AH200127%%590
Resource Relation:
Conference: 9th International Meeting on Lithium Batteries, Edinburgh (GB), 07/12/1998--07/17/1998; Other Information: PBD: 2 Sep 1998
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English