An anode material with pervoskite structure for rechargeable Li-ion batteries

A conductive ceramic, barium metaplumbate (BaPbO3), has been synthesized by solid-state reactions for use as an anode in lithium-ion batteries. The el ectrochemical characteristics of the electrode were tested in ethylene and diethyl carbonate (EC-DEC) solutions of LiPF6 versus Li metal in rest cells . During cycling, the material showed voltage plateaus between 0.2 V and 0. 6 V versus Li, demonstrated a gravimetric discharge capacity of about 110 m Ah g(-1) and a volumetric capacity of 960 mAh cm(-3). Two phases, BaPbO3 an d PbO, were found in compositions containing excess PbO. The free PbO in th e fired bodies was found in the experiment to react with the lithium and fo rm a new compound probably a Pb-Li alloy, which was unstable and brought an intensive capacity fading. A single phase, BaPbO3, which was obtained by i ncreasing the calcining temperature and the partial pressure of O-2 in the ambient air presented an improved capacity and a stable pervoskite structur e. The results from cyclic voltammograms suggest that the insertion and de- insertion of Li ions proceed in the voltage range from 0.01 to 1.2 V versus Li/ Li+.