Properties of Li nanocomposite electrode materials prepared via hydrogen-driven, solid-state, metallurgical reactions

This paper discusses the ex situ preparation of Li nanocomposite materials for use as Li battery anodes. The syntheses involve high-temperature, hydro gen-driven, solid-state reactions consisting of alloy disproportionation an d metathetical transformations. The following systems are described, LiAlH4 /SnO, LiAlH4/SiO2, and LiH/SnO, as well as pertinent electrochemical proper ties of their nanocomposite products. The properties of nanoscale LiAl part icles produced by the decomposition and subsequent disproportionation of Li AlH4 are also discussed. Electrochemical experiments were carried out using Li metal as the anode. The possible extension of the process to appropriat e, precursor intermetallic compounds is also examined. (C) 2001 The Electro chemical Society.