Electrochemistry and in-situ X-ray diffraction of InSb in lithium batteries

The electrochemical reactions of lithium with the intermetallic compound, I nSb, were studied in lithium coin cells using laminate electrodes fabricate d from either single-crystal InSb wafers or ball-milled samples. In-situ X- ray diffraction data show that the InSb zinc-blende framework is unstable t o extensive reaction with lithium: In is extruded from a fixed Sb lattice d uring 'discharge' and is partially incorporated hack into the lattice durin g 'charge'. Despite the loss of some In from the structure, the indium anti monide electrode provides capacities in excess of 300 mAh/g with excellent reversibility. Cyclic voltammetry was used to study the electrochemical pro cesses in greater detail. Lithiated indium products are formed below simila r to 600 mV versus Li. The electrode can be discharged at high rates, deliv ering 150 mAh/g at 3.6 mA/cm(2) between 1.2 and 0.2 V Versus Li. These data hold exciting prospects for the development of intermetallic insertion ele ctrodes for practical room-temperature Li-ion cells. Published by Elsevier Science S.A.