Unlocking iron metal as a cathode for sustainable Li-ion batteries by an anion solid solution.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 38781334.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1126/sciadv.adn4441 and PMC identifier 11114228.
- Licence recorded as CC BY-NC.
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Abstract
Traditional cathode chemistry of Li-ion batteries relies on the transport of Li-ions within the solid structures, with the transition metal ions and anions acting as the static components. Here, we demonstrate that a solid solution of F<sup>-</sup> and PO<sub>4</sub><sup>3-</sup> facilitates the reversible conversion of a fine mixture of iron powder, LiF, and Li<sub>3</sub>PO<sub>4</sub> into iron salts. Notably, in its fully lithiated state, we use commercial iron metal powder in this cathode, departing from electrodes that begin with iron salts, such as FeF<sub>3</sub>. Our results show that Fe-cations and anions of F<sup>-</sup> and PO<sub>4</sub><sup>3-</sup> act as charge carriers in addition to Li-ions during the conversion from iron metal to a solid solution of iron salts. This composite electrode delivers a reversible capacity of up to 368 mAh/g and a specific energy of 940 Wh/kg. Our study underscores the potential of amorphous composites comprising lithium salts as high-energy battery electrodes.