ELECTROCHEMISTRY OF KC8 IN LITHIUM-CONTAINING ELECTROLYTES AND ITS USE IN LITHIUM-ION CELLS

The electrochemistry of KC8 in a lithium-containing ethylene carbonate -dimethylcarbonate electrolyte has been studied. The results show that upon oxidation KC8 irreversibly releases potassium ions and that duri ng the following cathodic cycle, the residual graphite intercalates li thium reversibly and with fast rate up to a LiC6 composition: The resu lts also show that a KC8 electrode can be used in lithium-ion cells in combination with partially lithiated or even with lithium-free cathod es. The maximum capacities (referred to the anode) that may be achieve d are 372 and 279 mAh g(-1), respectively.