Novel SEI formation of maleimide-based additives and its improvement of capability and cyclicability in lithium ion batteries

This investigation elucidates three maleimide (MI)-based aromatic molecules as additives in electrolyte that is used in lithium ion batteries. The 1.1 M LiPF₆ in ethylene carbonate (EC):propylene carbonate (PC):diethylene carbonate (DEC) (3:2:5 in volume) containing MI-based additives can prompt the formation of a solid electrolyte interface (SEI); and inhibit the entering into the irreversible state during lithium intercalation and co-intercalation. The reduction potential is 0.71-0.98 V versus Li/Li⁺ as determined by cyclic voltammetry (CV). The morphology and element analysis of the positive and negative electrode after the 100th charge-discharge cycle are examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Moreover, the MI was used in lithium ion batteries and provided 4.9% capacity increase and 16.7% capacity retention increase when cycled at 1C/1C. The MI-based additive also ensures respectable cycle-ability of lithium ion batteries. MI is decomposed electrochemically to form a long winding narrow SEI strip on the graphite surface. This novel SEI strip not only prevents exfoliation on the graphite electrode but also stabilizes the electrolyte. The MI-based additive also ensures respectable cycle-ability of lithium ion batteries.     

Improving electrochemical properties of room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) based electrolyte for Li-ion batteries

Room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) with high safety characteristic usually have high viscosity and melting point, which is adverse for the application of RTIL-based electrolytes in Li-ion batteries. In this investigation, a promising RTIL, i.e. PP13TFSI consisting of N-methyl-N-propylpiperidinium (PP13) cation and bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (TFSI) anion is synthesized. The effect of the content of Li salt in the electrolytes containing PP13TFSI and LiTFSI on the ionic conductivity and cell performance is investigated. The electrolyte of 0.3 mol kg⁻¹ LiTFSI/PP13TFSI is recommended for its higher lithium transference number and discharge capacity in the LiCoO₂/Li cell than other electrolytes. In addition, it is found that, by introducing 20% diethyl carbonate (DEC) as a co-solvent into pure RTIL electrolyte, the rate capability and low-temperature performance of the LiCoO₂/Li cells are improved obviously, without sacrificing its safety characteristics. It suggests that a component with low viscosity and melting point, i.e. DEC, is necessary to effectively overcome the shortcomings of RTIL for the application in Li-ion batteries.     

In situ Li nuclear magnetic resonance observation of the electrochemical intercalation of lithium in graphite; 1st cycle

We show a continuous, in situ nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiment on a lithium/graphite electrochemical cell. The objective is to study a commercial graphite currently used as negative electrodes in secondary lithium batteries. A plastic cell is made, with metallic lithium as the counter electrode and 1 mol dm⁻³ LiPF₆/ethylene carbonate (EC) + diethylcarbonate (DEC) electrolyte. The reversible capacity is 346 mAh/g and the irreversible capacity 55 mAh/g, measured in the galvanostatic mode, at a rate of C/20 (20 h for the theoretical capacity of LiC₆) for the first cycle. We show the first discharge and the first charge of the cell inside the magnet and record simultaneously and regularly (in real time) static ⁷Li NMR spectra. As expected, we observe the quadrupolar lines characteristic of the lithium graphite intercalation compounds (GICs). During the discharge, the two types of in-plane densities of Li are successively found that correspond to the dilute LiC₉, then to the dense LiC₆ configuration; during the charge, we observe the successive decrease of these states. The galvanostatic curve helps to identify the stages NMR signature and the stages coexistence.     

Properties of Li-graphite and LiFePO4 electrodes in LiPF6–sulfolane electrolyte

Sulfolane (also referred to as tetramethylene sulfone, TMS) containing LiPF₆ and vinylene carbonate (VC) was tested as a non-flammable electrolyte for a graphite |LiFePO₄ lithium-ion battery. Charging/discharging capacity of the LiFePO₄ electrode was ca. 150 mAh g⁻¹ (VC content 5 wt%). The capacity of the graphite electrode after 10 cycles establishes at the level of ca. 350 mAh g⁻¹ (C/10 rate). In the case of the full graphite |1 M LiPF₆ + TMS + VC 10 wt% |LiFePO₄ cell, both charging and discharging capacity (referred to cathode mass) stabilized at a value of ca. 120 mAh g⁻¹. Exchange current density for Li⁺ reduction on metallic lithium, estimated from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) experiments, was j_o(Li/Li⁺) = 8.15 × 10⁻⁴ A cm⁻². Moreover, EIS suggests formation of the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) on lithium, lithiated graphite and LiFePO₄ electrodes, protecting them from further corrosion in contact with the liquid electrolyte. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of pristine electrodes and those taken after electrochemical cycling showed changes which may be interpreted as a result of SEI formation. No graphite exfoliation was observed. The main decomposition peak of the LiPF₆ + TMS + VC electrolyte (TG/DTA experiment) was present at ca. 275 °C. The LiFePO₄(solid) + 1 M LiPF₆ + TMS + 10 wt% VC system shows a flash point of ca. 150 °C. This was much higher in comparison to that characteristic of a classical LiFePO₄ (solid) + 1 M LiPF₆ + 50 wt% EC + 50 wt% DMC system (T_f ≈ 37 °C).     

Electrochemical characteristics of phase-separated polymer electrolyte based on poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropane) and ethylene carbonate

A polymer electrolyte based on microporous poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropane) (PVdF-HFP) film was studied for use in lithium ion batteries. The microporous PVdF-HFP (Kynar 2801) matrix was prepared from a cast of homogeneous mixture of PVdF-HFP and solvents such as ethylene carbonate (EC), dimethyl carbonate (DMC), and ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC). After evaporation of DMC and EMC, a sold film of the PVdF-HFP and the EC mixture was obtained. EC-rich phase started its formation in the PVdF-HFP/EC film at EC content of about 60 wt.% based on the total weight of PVdF-HFP and EC. The formation of the new phase resulted in the abrupt increase of the porosity of the PVdF-HFP matrix from 32 to 62%. The ionic conductivity of the film soaked in 1 M LiPF₆-EC/DMC=1/1 was significantly increased from order of 10⁻⁴ S/cm to order of 10⁻³ S/cm at the EC content of 60 wt.%. Thermal and spectroscopic investigations showed that most of the EC interact with PVdF-HFP with the EC content being below 60 wt.%. MCMB/polymer electrolyte/LiCoO₂ cells employing the microporous PVdF-HFP polymer film showed stable charging/discharging characteristics at 1C rate and good rate capability.     

Polyterthiophene/CNT composite as a cathode material for lithium batteries employing an ionic liquid electrolyte

A polyterthiophene (PTTh)/multi-walled carbon nanotube (CNT) composite was synthesised by in situ chemical polymerisation and used as an active cathode material in lithium cells assembled with an ionic liquid (IL) or conventional liquid electrolyte, LiBF₄/EC-DMC-DEC. The IL electrolyte consisted of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (EMIBF₄) containing LiBF₄ and a small amount of vinylene carbonate (VC). The lithium cells were characterised by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge/discharge cycling. The specific capacity of the cells with IL and conventional liquid electrolytes after the 1st cycle was 50 and 47 mAh g⁻¹ (based on PTTh weight), respectively at the C/5 rate. The capacity retention after the 100th cycle was 78% and 53%, respectively. The lithium cell assembled with a PTTh/CNT composite cathode and a non-flammable IL electrolyte exhibited a mean discharge voltage of 3.8 V vs Li⁺/Li and is a promising candidate for high-voltage power sources with enhanced safety.     

Surface film formation on a graphite negative electrode in lithium-ion batteries: AFM study on the effects of co-solvents in ethylene carbonate-based solutions

In situ AFM observation of the basal plane of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) was performed before and after cyclic voltammetry in 1 mol dm⁻³ LiClO₄ dissolved in ethylene carbonate (EC), EC+diethyl carbonate (DEC), and EC+dimethyl carbonate (DMC) to clarify the effects of co-solvents in EC-based solutions on surface film formation on graphite negative electrodes in lithium-ion cells. In each solution, surface film formation involved the following two different processes: (i) intercalation of solvated lithium ions and their decomposition beneath the surface; and (ii) direct decomposition of solvent molecules on the basal plane to form a precipitate layer. The most remarkable difference among these solvent systems was that solvent co-intercalation took place more extensively in EC+DEC than in EC+DMC or EC. Raman analysis of ion-solvent interactions revealed that a lithium ion is solvated by three EC molecules and one DEC molecule in EC+DEC, whereas it is solvated exclusively by EC in EC+DMC and in EC, which suggested that the presence of linear alkyl carbonates in the solvation shell of lithium ion enhance the degree of solvent co-intercalation that occurs in the initial stage of the surface film formation.     

A novel non-flammable electrolyte containing methyl nonafluorobutyl ether for lithium secondary batteries

Use of nonflammable fluorinated ethers as electrolytes for lithium secondary batteries has been studied in terms of the flammability, ionic conductivity and cell charge–discharge performances including the rate capability, cycle life and abuse (nailing) test of a graphite/LiCoO₂ cylindrical cell. By mixing appropriate amounts of methyl nonafluorobutyl ether (MFE) with cosolvents (e.g., ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) and diethyl carbonate (DEC)), the mixed solution showed no flash point when evaluated by the Cleaveland open-cup flash point method (JIS 2265). The ionic conductivity was investigated for various electrolytes containing MFE with some lithium salts including LiN[SO₂C₂F₅]₂ (LiBETI) and LiN[SO₂CF₃]₂ (LiTFSI). The solution properties of the electrolytes containing MFE were characterized in terms of the NMR chemical shifts and the diffusion coefficients by using the NMR pulse field gradient method. The graphite/LiCoO₂ cylindrical cells assembled with 1 mol dm^–3 LiBETI–MFE/EMC (80:20 vol %) discharged the designed capacity (1400 mAh) at a 0.1 C rate and sustained 80% of their initial capacity up to 50 cycles. No thermal runaway was detected and cell surface temperature increased very slowly in the nailing test which meant hardly any software and hardware protections were necessary.     

Effects of solvents and salts on the thermal stability of LiC6

Accelerating rate calorimetry (ARC) was used to study the thermal stability of Li_0.81C₆ in dimethyl carbonate (DMC), diethyl carbonate (DEC), ethylene carbonate (EC), and an EC/DEC mixture as well as in LiPF₆- and LiBOB-based electrolytes. ARC results show that linear carbonates like DMC or DEC react strongly with Li_0.81C₆ and that robust passivating layers do not form. By contrast, the cyclic carbonate, EC, creates a robust passivating film that limits the rate of reaction between Li_0.81C₆ and EC as the temperature increases. X-ray diffraction shows that the addition of LiPF₆ to EC/DEC changes the surface film that forms on Li_0.81C₆ at elevated temperature to one dominated by LiF instead of lithium-alkyl carbonate or lithium carbonate. This increases the thermal stability of Li_0.81C₆ in LiPF₆ electrolyte compared to pure EC/DEC solvent. By an apparently similar mechanism, the addition of only 0.2 M LiBOB to EC/DEC greatly improves the thermal stability of Li_0.81C₆. ARC results for Li_0.81C₆ in pure and mixed salt LiPF₆ and LiBOB EC/DEC electrolytes of various molarities shed light on the reasons for the beneficial effect of the salts.     

Interfacial structural stabilization on amorphous silicon anode for improved cycling performance in lithium-ion batteries

Interfacial structures of electrode-current collector and electrode-electrolyte have been designed to be stabilized for improved cycling performance of amorphous silicon (Si) that is considered as an alternative anode material to graphite for lithium-ion batteries. Interfacial structural stabilization involves the interdigitation of Si electrode-Cu current collector substrate by anodic Cu etching with thiol-induced self-assembly, and the formation of self-assembled siloxane on the surface of Si electrode using silane. The novel interfacial architecture possesses promoted interfacial contact area between Si and Cu, and a surface protective layer of siloxane that suppresses interfacial reactions with the electrolyte of 1 M LiPF₆/ethylene carbonate (EC):diethylene carbondate (DEC). FTIR spectroscopic analyses revealed that a stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer composed of lithium carbonate, organic compounds with carboxylate metal salt and ester functionalities, and PF-containing species formed when having siloxane on Si electrode. Interfacially stabilized Si electrode exhibited a high capacity retention 80% of the maximum discharge capacity after 200 cycles between 0.1 and 1.5 V vs. Li/Li⁺. The data contribute to a basic understanding of interfacial structural causes responsible for the cycling performance of Si-based alloy anodes in lithium-ion batteries.     

Electrochemical studies of electrospun organic/inorganic hybrid nanocomposite fibrous polymer electrolyte for lithium battery

Poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) P(VdF-co-HFP)/magnesium aluminate (MgAl₂O₄) hybrid fibrous nanocomposite polymer electrolyte membranes were newly prepared by electrospinning method. The as-prepared electrospun pure and nanocomposite fibrous polymer membranes with various MgAl₂O₄ filler contents were characterized by X ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The fibrous nanocomposite polymer electrolytes were prepared by soaking the electrospun membranes in 1 M LiPF₆ in EC:DEC (1:1, v/v). The fibrous nanocomposite polymer electrolyte membrane with 5 wt.% of MgAl₂O₄ show high electrolyte uptake, enhanced ionic conductivity is found to be 2.80 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ at room temperature and good electrochemical stability window higher than 4.5 V. Electrochemical performance of commercial celgard 2320, fibrous pure and nanocomposite polymer electrolyte (PE, NCPE) membranes with different MgAl₂O₄ filler content is evaluated in Li/celgard 2320, PE, NCPE/LiCoO₂ CR 2032 coin cells at current density 0.1 C-rate. The NCPE with 5 wt.% of MgAl₂O₄ delivers an initial discharge capacity of 158 mAhg⁻¹ and stable cycle performance compared with the other cells containing celgard 2320 separator and pure membrane.     

Synthesis and electrochemical properties of lithium methacrylate-based self-doped gel polymer electrolytes

In this study, a strategy for synthesizing lithium methacrylate (LiMA)-based self-doped gel polymer electrolytes was described and the electrochemical properties were investigated by impedance spectroscopy and linear sweep voltammetry. LiMA was found to dissolve in ethylene carbonate (EC)/diethyl carbonate (DEC) (3/7, v/v) solvent after complexing with boron trifluoride (BF₃). This was achieved by lowering the ionic interactions between the methacrylic anion and lithium cation. As a result, gel polymer electrolytes consisting of BF₃-LiMA complexes and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate were successfully synthesized by radical polymerization in an EC/DEC liquid electrolyte. The FT-IR and AC impedance measurements revealed that the incorporation of BF₃ into the gel polymer electrolytes increases the solubility of LiMA and the ionic conductivity by enhancing the ion disassociations. Despite the self-doped nature of the LiMA salt, an ionic conductivity value of 3.0 × 10⁻⁵ S cm⁻¹ was achieved at 25 °C in the gel polymer electrolyte with 49 wt% of polymer content. Furthermore, linear sweep voltammetry measurements showed that the electrochemical stability of the gel polymer electrolyte was around 5.0 V at 25 °C.     

On the difference in cycling behaviors of lithium-ion battery cell between the ethylene carbonate- and propylene carbonate-based electrolytes

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have been performed to gain insight into the difference in cycling behaviors between the ethylene carbonate (EC)-based and the propylene carbonate (PC)-based electrolytes in lithium-ion battery cells. DFT calculations of the lithium solvation, Li⁺(S)_i (S = EC or PC; i = 1–4) with and without the presence of the counter anion showed that the desolvation energy to remove one solvent molecule from the first solvation shell of the lithium ion was significantly reduced by as much as 70 kcal mol⁻¹ (293.08 kJ mol⁻¹) in the presence of the counter anion, suggesting the lithium ion is more likely to be desolvated at high salt concentrations. The thermodynamic stability of the ternary graphite intercalation compounds, Li⁺(S)_iC₇₂, in which Li⁺(S)_i was inserted into a graphite cell, was also examined by DFT calculations. The results suggested that Li⁺(EC)_iC₇₂ was more stable than Li⁺(PC)_iC₇₂ for a given i. Furthermore, some of Li⁺(PC)_iC₇₂ were found to be energetically unfavorable, while all of Li⁺(EC)_i=1–4C₇₂ were stable, relative to their corresponding Li⁺(S)_i in the bulk electrolyte. In addition, the interlayer distances of Li⁺(PC)_iC₇₂ were more than 0.1 nm longer than those of Li⁺(EC)_iC₇₂. MD simulations were also carried out to examine the solvation structures at a high salt concentration of LiPF₆: 2.45 mol kg⁻¹. The results showed that the solvation structure was significantly interrupted by the counter anions, having a smaller solvation number than that at a lower salt concentration (0.83 mol kg⁻¹). We propose that at high salt concentrations, the lithium desolvation may be facilitated due to the increased contact ion pairs so as to form a stable ternary GIC with less solvent molecules without destruction of graphite particles, followed by solid–electrolyte-interface film formation reactions. The results from both DFT calculations and MD simulations are consistent with the recent experimental observations.     

Effect of fluoroethylene carbonate on high temperature capacity retention of LiMn2O4/graphite Li-ion cells

In order to overcome severe capacity fading of LiMn₂O₄/graphite Li-ion cells at high temperature at 60 °C, fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) was newly evaluated as an electrolyte additive. With 2 wt.% FEC addition into the electrolyte (EC/DEC/PC with 1 M LiPF₆), the capacity retention at 60 °C after 130 cycles was significantly improved by about 20%. To understand the underlying principle on the capacity retention enhancement, the electrochemical properties of the cells including cell performance, impedance behavior as well as the characteristics of the interfacial properties were examined. Based on these results, it is suggested that the improved capacity retention of LiMn₂O₄/graphite Li-ion cells with addition of FEC especially at high temperature is mainly originated from the thin and stable SEI layer formed on the graphite anode surface.     

1-Alkyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ionic liquids as highly safe electrolyte for Li/LiFePO4 battery

Several 1-alkyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ionic liquids (alkyl-DMimTFSI) were prepared by changing carbon chain lengths and configuration of the alkyl group, and their electrochemical properties and compatibility with Li/LiFePO₄ battery electrodes were investigated in detail. Experiments indicated the type of ionic liquid has a wide electrochemical window (−0.16 to 5.2 V vs. Li⁺/Li) and are theoretically feasible as an electrolyte for batteries with metallic lithium as anode. Addition of vinylene carbonate (VC) improves the compatibility of alkyl-DMimTFSI-based electrolytes towards lithium anode and LiFePO₄ cathode, and enhanced the formation of solid electrolyte interface to protect lithium anodes from corrosion. The electrochemical properties of the ionic liquids obviously depend on carbon chain length and configuration of the alkyl, including ionic conductivity, viscosity, and charge/discharge capacity etc. Among five alkyl-DMimTFSI-LiTFSI-VC electrolytes, Li/LiFePO₄ battery with the electrolyte-based on amyl-DMimTFSI shows best charge/discharge capacity and reversibility due to relatively high conductivity and low viscosity, its initial discharge capacity is about 152.6 mAh g⁻¹, which the value is near to theoretical specific capacity (170 mAh g⁻¹). Although the battery with electrolyte-based isooctyl-DMimTFSI has lowest initial discharge capacity (8.1 mAh g⁻¹) due to relatively poor conductivity and high viscosity, the value will be dramatically added to 129.6 mAh g⁻¹ when 10% propylene carbonate was introduced into the ternary electrolyte as diluent. These results clearly indicates this type of ionic liquids have fine application prospect for lithium batteries as highly safety electrolytes in the future.     

Solvents in salt electrolyte: Benefits and possible use as electrolyte for lithium-ion battery

An EC/DEC [40:60% (v/v)] solvent mixture has been added in various amounts to the ionic liquid (IL) hexyltrimethylammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (N₁₁₁₆-NTf₂) in the presence of LiNTf₂ (lithium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide) as lithium salt for possible use as electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries. These electrolytes exhibit a larger thermal stability than the reference electrolyte EC/DEC [40:60] + LiNTf₂ 1 M when the percentage of the IL exceeds 30% (v/v). All studied electrolytes are glass forming ones with an ideal glass transition temperature of ca. −85 °C(±5 °C), which has been determined by application of the VTF theory to conductivity and viscosity measurements and confirmed by DSC (T_g = −90 ± 5 °C). An electrochemical window of about 5 V versus Li/Li⁺ was measured at a glassy carbon electrode. The cycling ability of the optimized electrolyte N₁₁₁₆-NTf₂/EC:DEC (40/60% (v/v)) + 1 M LiNTf₂ has been investigated at a titanate oxide (Li₄Ti₅O₁₂) and a cobalt oxide (Li_xCoO₂) electrodes. Cycling the positive and the negative electrodes was conducted successfully with a high capacity and without any significant fading.     

Effect of vinylene carbonate as additive to electrolyte for lithium metal anode

The cycling efficiencies and cycling performance of a lithium metal anode in a vinylene carbonate (VC)-containing electrolyte were evaluated using Li/Ni and LiCoO₂/Li coin type cells. The cycling efficiencies of deposited lithium on a nickel substrate in an EC + DMC (1:1) electrolyte containing LiPF₆, LiBF₄, LiN(SO₂CF₃)₂ (LiTFSI), or LiN(SO₂C₂F₅) (LiBETI) at 25 and 50 °C were improved by presence of VC. However, the lithium cycling efficiencies at low temperature (0 °C) decreased by adding VC to the EC+DMC (1:1) electrolyte. The deposited lithium at low temperature exhibited a dendritic morphology and a thicker surface film. The lithium ion conductivity of the VC derived surface film was lower than that of the VC-free surface film at low temperature. Therefore, we concluded that the cycling efficiency decreased with decreasing temperature. On the other hand, the cell containing VC additive has excellent performance at elevated temperature. The deposited lithium at 50 °C in the VC-containing electrolyte exhibited a particulate morphology and formed a thinner surface film. The VC derived surface film, which consists of polymeric species, suppressed the deleterious reaction between the deposited lithium and the electrolyte.     

Alkali carbonate-coated graphite electrode for lithium-ion batteries

Charge and discharge behavior of a graphite electrode for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries was successfully improved by pretreatment of graphite powders with A₂CO₃ (A = Li, Na, and K) aqueous solutions. In the process of the pretreatment, graphite powders were simply dispersed in the aqueous solutions, and then filtered and dried to modify the surface of graphite powder with solid alkali carbonate. With the optimum concentration of each carbonate, 1 wt.% Li₂CO₃, 5 wt.% Na₂CO₃, and 1 wt.% K₂CO₃, the irreversible reaction at the initial cycle was suppressed by the pretreatment which was capable of modifying the solid electrolyte interphase formed on the graphite electrode surface. Furthermore, the rate capability was improved by the surface modification, that is, the reversible discharge capacities at 175 mA g⁻¹ increased with adequate capacity retention in a 1 mol dm⁻³ LiClO₄ ethylene carbonate:diethyl carbonate electrolyte solution because of the kinetics enhancement of lithium-ion transfer at the interface.     

Electrochemical and thermal studies of Li[NixLi(1/3−2x/3)Mn(2/3−x/3)]O2 (x = 1/12, 1/4, 5/12, and 1/2)

Samples of the layered cathode materials, Li[Ni_xLi_(1/3−2x/3)Mn_(2/3−x/3)]O₂ (x = 1/12, 1/4, 5/12, and 1/2), were synthesized at 900 °C. Electrodes of these samples were charged in Li-ion coin cells to remove lithium. The charged electrode materials were rinsed to remove the electrolyte salt and then added, along with EC/DEC solvent or 1 M LiPF₆ EC/DEC, to stainless steel accelerating rate calorimetry (ARC) sample holders that were then welded closed. The reactivity of the samples with electrolyte was probed at two states of charge. First, for samples charged to near 4.45 V and second, for samples charged to 4.8 V, corresponding to removal of all mobile lithium from the samples and also concomitant release of oxygen in a plateau near 4.5 V. Li[Ni_xLi_(1/3−2x/3)Mn_(2/3−x/3)]O₂ samples with x = 1/4, 5/12 and 1/2 charged to 4.45 V do not react appreciably till 190 °C in EC/DEC. Li[Ni_xLi_(1/3−2x/3)Mn_(2/3−x/3)]O₂ samples charged to 4.8 V versus Li, across the oxygen release plateau, start to significantly react with EC/DEC at about 130 °C. However, their high reactivity is similar to that of Li_0.5CoO₂ (4.2 V) with 1 μm particle size. Therefore, Li[Ni_xLi_(1/3−2x/3)Mn_(2/3−x/3)]O₂ samples showing specific capacity of up to 225 mAh/g may be acceptable for replacing LiCoO₂ (145 mAh/g to 4.2 V) from a safety point of view, if their particle size is increased.     

Dye-sensitised photoelectrochemical solar cells with polyacrylonitrile based solid polymer electrolytes

Novel all solid state dye-sensitised photolectrochemical solar cells of the type, FTO-TiO₂-dye-PAN, EC, PC, Pr₄N⁺I⁻, I₂-Pt-FTO, have been fabricated and characterised using current-voltage characteristics and action spectra. Liquid electrolyte generally used for such solar cells has successfully replaced by a quasi solid electrolyte comprised of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) with ethylene carbonate (EC) and propylene carbonate (PC) as plasticisers and Pr₄N⁺I⁻/I₂ redox couple with tetrapropylammoniumiodide as the complexing salt. For the polymer electrolyte, the optimum conductivity of 2.95×10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ was obtained for the electrolyte composition, PAN:EC:PC=15:35:50 (wt.%). The short circuit current density (J_SC) and the open circuit voltage (V_OC) obtained for an incident light intensity of 600 W m⁻² were 3.73 mA cm⁻² and 0.69 V, respectively. This corresponds to an overall quantum efficiency of 2.99%. From the action spectrum, the maximum incident photon conversion efficiency (IPCE) of 33% was obtained for incident light of wavelength 480 nm.