Mechanism of Phase Propagation During Lithiation in Carbon‐Free Li4Ti5O12 Battery Electrodes

• DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201201684
• Publication Date: 2012-10-04T08:15:57Z
• Authors: Chunjoong Kim; Nick S. Norberg; Caleb T. Alexander; Robert Kostecki; Jordi Cabana
• Keywords: Ohmic contact

Abstract Functional electrodes for batteries share a common design rule by which high electronic and ionic conductivity pathways must exist throughout the electrode in its pristine state. Notable amounts of conductive carbon additive composite are usually included to form an electronically matrix. However, excellent rate cycling performance has been achieved composed insulating Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 without any additives. This behavior opens possibility new paradigm designing functional is not required. The mechanism operation that enables such unexpected electrochemical evaluated discussed. Electronically due reduction 4+ 3+ percolate early stage insertion, eliminating need work highlights importance mass charge transport properties intermediate states during good interparticle ohmic contact electrode. physical can lead novel system designs with improved battery utilization energy density.