An 11 Electron Redox Couple for Anodic Charge Storage: VB_2

摘要

Nanochemical improvements of vanadium diboride are probed to facilitate anodic charge transfer, and an extractable casette chemical recharge concept for this anode is introduced. VB_2 releases 11 electrons per molecule, via electrochemical oxidation, at a favorable, electrochemical potential. The discharge voltage is highly level throughout a deep discharge. This unusual multi-electron redox couple provides a charge capacity of 4060 mAh/g, which is greater than other anodes, including more than lithium. Coupled with an air cathode, the VB_2 anode has energy capacity among the highest of any electrochemical storage battery or fuel cell. Nanoparticle formation is accomplished with a planetary ball mill media (tungsten carbide) with hardness comparable to that of VB_2 (8-9 Mohs~2). Mechanochemical synthesized, VB_2 nanorods, exhibit higher voltage, sustain higher rate, and depth of discharge than macroscopic VB2.