Li(4-x)/3Ti(5-2x)/3CrxO4(0≤x≤0.9) spinels:: New negatives for lithium batteries

Members of the spinet solid solution between Li4/3Ti5/3O4 and LiCrTiO4, i.e., Li(4-x)/3Ti(5-2x)/3CrxO4 (0 <= x <= 0.9), have been investigated as possible negative electrodes for future lithium-ion batteries. Electrochemical behaviour have been studied over the potential range 1-3.5 V vs Li+/Li. Results are promising with anodic capacities between 129 and 163 mA h/g with a flat operating voltage at about 1.5 V, which is attributed to the pair Ti4+/Ti3+. The inclusion of Cr3+ in the spinel structure enhances the specific capacity. In-situ X-ray diffraction experiments confirm that the reaction proceeds in a topotactic manner. (C) 2007 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.