Fast lithium transport in PbTe for lithium-ion battery anodes

The reversible charging of a lead chalcogenide, PbTe, was studied for use as the anode material in a Li-ion cell and compared to PbO. A similar series of Li-Pb alloys were formed but with Li2Te present instead of Li2O. In the presence of Li2Te, rapid Li-Pb alloying and dealloying were observed in the potential range of 0.01-0.7 V. In the potential range of 0.8-2.5 V, Li2Te formed and decomposed reversibly. Electrodes were cycled stably for 100 cycles at a C/5 rate in both potential domains. The electrodes were also cycled stably at rates up to 10C. The presence of Li2Te reduced the overpotential required at higher charge and discharge rates by acting as a superionic conductor to improve lithium ion diffusion. These results recommend this material for potential use in low-power applications such as cell phones.