Nanocomposite Li-ion battery anodes produced by the partial reduction of mixed oxides

A method based on the thermochemical reduction of mixed oxides is demonstrated for creating ultrafine metal-ceramic composites for lithium storage. Mixed oxides containing a more noble metal, selected to be capable of alloying with lithium at potentials useful as a Li-ion battery anode, are partially reduced to form electrochemically active composites of the dispersed metal in a conductive oxide matrix. The starting oxides SbVO4 rutile and Sb-2-Mn2O7 distorted fluorite are discussed as examples. Materials are characterized using XRD, SEM, and TEM, and electrochemical tests are presented. Reversible charge capacities of 300-400 mAh/g (1800-2500 mAh/cm(3)) are shown to be possible in these systems.