Improving low-temperature performance of Li-alloy anodes by optimization of the electrolyte-electrode interface

The -20 degreesC performance of nano-tin-(lithium emeraldine base), i.e. nano-tin-(lithium hemi-oxidized polyaniline), abbreviated as nano-Sn-PAni, anodes was investigated. The rate-limiting process is slow charge-transfer kinetics, rather than poor electrolyte conductivity or a high solid electrolyte interface (SEI) film resistance. Two ionic conductors, i.e. Li+-doped polyethylene oxide (PEO) and 14Li(2)O-9Al(2)O(3)-38TiO(2)-39P(2)O(5) ((LiAlTiP)(x)O-y) ceramic powders were incorporated into the anode material to accelerate the interfacial charge-transfer process. The (LiAlTiP)(x)O-y. ceramic proved to be much better than doped PEO in improving the low-temperature performance. One nano-Sn-PAni anode material containing 15 wt.% (LiAlTiP)(x)O-y gave particularly high initial charge and discharge capacities (795 and 545 mAh g(-1), respectively) at -20 degreesC. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V All fights reserved.