Graphene Liquid Cell Electron Microscopy of Initial Lithiation in Co3O4 Nanoparticles.

Abstract

As it governs the overall performance of lithium-ion batteries, understanding the reaction pathway of lithiation is highly desired. For Co3O4 nanoparticles as anode material, here, we report an initial conversion reaction pathway during lithiation. Using graphene liquid cell electron microscopy (GLC-EM), we reveal a CoO phase of the initial conversion product as well as morphological dynamics during Co3O4 lithiation. In accordance with the in situ TEM observation, we confirmed that the Co3O4 to CoO conversion is a thermodynamically favorable process by calculating the theoretical average voltage based on density functional theory. Our observation will provide a useful insight into the oxide electrode that undergoes conversion reaction.

• Authors: Joon Ha Chang, Jun Young Cheong, Sung Joo Kim, Yoon-Su Shim, Jae Yeol Park, Hyeon Kook Seo, Kyun Seong Dae, Chan-Woo Lee, Il-Doo Kim, Jong Min Yuk
• Journal: ACS omega (ACS Omega) Vol. 4 Issue 4 Pg. 6784-6788 (Apr 30 2019) ISSN: 2470-1343 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 31459800 (Publication Type: Journal Article)