STUDY OF FE2O3-BASED THIN-FILM ELECTRODES FOR LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES

Sputter deposited thin films from an alpha-Fe2O3 target are studied as an alternative to the carbon-based anode for lithium-ion batteries. T he elaboration process of the amorphous thin layers as well as their c hemical and physical properties are described. The value of the electr ical conductivity of the thin films is astonishingly higher than the o ne measured on the bulk samples. Depending on the amount of intercalat ed lithium, a drastic change of this value is observed. The electroche mical characteristics obtained on these amorphous thin layer electrode s regarding their specific capacity and cyclability are presented. An attempt to build up a lithium-ion battery associating a Li2Fe3O3-based thin film anode to a vitreous V2O5-B2O3-based thin film cathode is de scribed. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.