Novel composite anodes based on nano-oxides and Li2.6Co0.4N for lithium ion batteries

The use of nano-sized SnO and SiO1.1 powders as anode materials for lithium ion batteries can give high cycle capacities. However, these metallic oxides show striking irreversibility in the first cycle. This study focuses on the irreversibility compensation of such oxides by Li2.6Co0.4N compound. The mixed hosts for a new composite electrode can offer an initial efficiency close to 100%, The cycle performance is improved significantly by choosing a suitable electrode binder and electron conductor. Moreover, it is found that the rechargeability of SiO1.1-containing electrodes is strongly dependent on cell construction. A packed electrode demonstrates a much better cycling stability than a hanging one in the present composition range. The changes in microstructure of the active materials on cycling have been followed by X-ray diffraction analysis. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.