Electrochemistry of Inorganic Nanocrystalline Electrode Materials for Lithium Batteries

摘要

Traditional electrode materials are based on the redox potential difference of the electrode in the course of intercalation/deintercalation reactions. They are generally well-crystalline host compounds either with layered structure such asLiCoO2andLiNiO2, or with tunnel structure likeLiMn2O4Nanocrystalline materials are, however, being re-evaluated recently as ‘nanoscience’ advances. The electrochemistry of this kind of materials ismuch different from that of traditional crystalline ones because of their significant ‘surface effects’. In connection with that, the nanocrystalline cathode materials are reported to have an enhanced electrochemical activity whenthe first significative electrochemical step is insertion of Li ions (discharge process). The “electrochemical grafting” concept will be given as a plausible explanation. As illustrative examples, electrochemical behaviors of nanocrystalline manganese oxydes are presented.