Understanding the phase transitions in spinel-layered-rock salt system: Criterion for the rational design of LLO/spinel nanocomposites. (October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pei, Yi; Chen, Qing; Xiao, Yu-Chen; Liu, Li; Xu, Cheng-Yan; Zhen, Liang; Henkelman, Graeme; Cao, Guozhong
• Is Part Of: Nano energy. Volume 40(2017:Oct.)
• Page Start: 566
• Page End: 575
• Publication Date: 2017-10
• Subjects: Lithium-ion batteries -- Li-rich layered materials -- Layered/spinel composite -- Density functional theory; Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanostructured materials -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Nanoscience; Nanostructured materials; Nanotechnology; Power resources -- Technological innovations; Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2017.08.054
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-2855

Abstract

Abstract: x Li2 MnO3 ·(1− x )LiMO2 (LLO)/spinel nanocomposites are of substantial interest as cathodes with high capacity and enhanced conductivity. However, their electrochemical properties are significantly influenced by the complex phase constitutions, and undesired by-products such as rock salt phase could not be efficiently avoided. By ex -/in-situ XRD, we revealed the three phase transitions during the decomposition reaction of spinel phase, namely, Li-rich spinel (SL ) to LLO (L), normal spinel (SN ) to rock salt (R) and rock salt to LLO. Density functional theory calculations suggest that Li migrates from the 8a tetrahedral site to the interstitial 16c octahedral site as oxygen is released from SL and SN, forming quasi-Li2 MnO3 and quasi-rock salt crystals, respectively. The dynamic priority of each reaction determined by experiments and calculations was utilized to design the LLO/spinel composites, and a composite with more spinel phase (7.6%) demonstrated high capacity retention at high rates. Our study sheds light on the mechanism of phase transitions among the spinel-layered-rock salt system and reveal the thermodynamic and dynamic priority of each reaction, facilitating the rational design of LLO/spinel composites. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Overall phase transitions were determined by designed ex-/in-situ XRD measurements. Structure evolutions were revealed by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Thermodynamic and dynamic priority were explored by experiments and calculations. Dynamic priority was utilized to control constitution of LLO/spinel composites.