Issue 27, 2015

Reversible reduction of Li2CO3

Abstract

Lithium carbonate (Li2CO3), either as a product of a conversion reaction or as an important component of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on the anode of a lithium ion (Li-ion) battery, is known to be chemically inactive in both reducing and oxidizing atmospheres. No sufficient evidence has shown that Li2CO3 can be reduced, let alone recognize its reduction products. Here we clarify that Li2CO3, as a product of a conversion reaction of cobalt carbonate (CoCO3) upon Li insertion, can indeed be further reduced/converted to lithium carbide (Li2C2) and lithium oxide (Li2O), based on spectroscopic and transmission electron microscopic analyses. These findings will have important guidance to designing electrode (materials) with more stable cycling performances, finding ways to convert some inert compounds into useful electrode materials, and search for electrode materials with higher specific capacities, as well as understanding the excess reversible capacity of some electrode reactions.

Graphical abstract: Reversible reduction of Li2CO3

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
07 Apr 2015
Accepted
30 May 2015
First published
01 Jun 2015

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2015,3, 14173-14177

Author version available

Reversible reduction of Li2CO3

N. Tian, C. Hua, Z. Wang and L. Chen, J. Mater. Chem. A, 2015, 3, 14173 DOI: 10.1039/C5TA02499D

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