SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF LITHIUM INTERCALATION ELECTRODES BASED ON IRON-OXIDE THIN-FILMS

Sputter-deposited iron oxide thin films are investigated as a possible negative electrode for rocking-chair microbatteries. Experimental con ditions related to the manufacturing of amorphous thin films suitable to a large number of available intercalation sites are described. Stru ctural and physical properties of the thin layer films are presented. The conductivities of the amorphous thin films were found to be very h igh compared with those of the respective crystalline forms. Regarding the electrochemical behaviour, Fe2O3-based thin films electrodes are able to store and reversibly exchange lithium ions. At a C/2 charge/di scharge rate with 100% depth-of-discharge (DOD),the specific capacity of these amorphous thin film electrodes remains almost constant and cl ose to 330 Ah/kg after more than 120 charge/discharge cycles.