Electrochemical Characterisation Flashcards
In which direction do lithium ions move during discharging in a LIB?
Anode to cathode
What is the mechanism called when lithium ions are inserted into the graphite layers during charging?
Intercalation
What is insertion?
The Li ions in the cathode host material are found in unoccupied sites. For layered anode host materials such as graphite, lithium ions are inserted in between the layers, known as intercalation.
True or false: New layers are formed during insertion.
False
Does insertion or conversion have a larger capacity?
Conversion
Does insertion or conversion have a more significant volume and structural changes?
Conversion
What is conversion?
A mechanism comprised of reconstruction reactions where new phases are formed and grow, while other phases shrink and disappear. These can be formation or displacement reactions.
Why is conversion less popular?
It has a higher degree of volume and structural change.
Write the equation for the reaction that happens at a graphite anode in a LIB.
LiC6 <–> Li+ + C6 + e-
Write the equation for the reaction that happens at an LFP cathode in a LIB.
FePO4 + Li+ + e- <–> LiFePO4
During charging of a LIB, which species is being oxidised and which species is being reduced?
The cathodic species is being oxidised, losing an electron and a Li ion and the anodic species is being reduced, gaining an electron and a Li ion.
Write the equation for the reaction that happens at an LCO cathode in a LIB.
CoO2 + Li+ + e- <–> LiCoO2
What mode of operation/type of control is used for CV and EIS?
Potentiostatic control - potential is set as a function of time and the current is measured.
What is galvanostatic control?
The value of current is set and the potential of the working electrode is measured.
What does the capacity of a battery describe?
The maximum amount of charge that can be stored and then drawn on in a cycle.
Why is the calculated theoretical capacity often not achieved?
Because in cathode materials, the lithium atoms supports the structure therefore, if 100% of the Li was extracted/inserted, the structure would collapse.
How is the theoretical capacity increased?
1) Lower molecular weight
2) Reaction that releases more electrons