A simple method of electrochemical lithium intercalation within graphite from a propylene carbonate-based solution

• Published in: Electrochemistry communications Vol. 31; pp. 24 - 27
• Main Authors: Jeong, Soon-Ki, Song, Hee-Youb, Kim, Seong In, Abe, Takeshi, Jeon, Woo Sung, Yin, Ri-Zhu, Kim, Yang Soo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 01.06.2013; Amsterdam Elsevier; New York, NY
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells; Exact sciences and technology; Graphite negative electrode; Lithium intercalation; Propylene carbonate; Raman spectroscopy; Solvated lithium ion; Graphite negative electrode; Solvated lithium ion; Raman spectroscopy; Lithium intercalation; Propylene carbonate; Lithium ion batteries; Anode; Organic carbonate; Insertion; Secondary cell; Electrode material; Discharge charge cycle; Solvate; Graphite; Raman spectrometry; Specific capacity; Lithium ion; Electrical characteristic
• ISSN: 1388-2481; 1873-1902
• DOI: 10.1016/j.elecom.2013.02.019

Electrochemical lithium intercalation within graphite from 1moldm−3 solution of LiClO4 in propylene carbonate (PC) was investigated at 25 and −15°C. Lithium ions were intercalated into and de-intercalated from graphite reversibly at −15°C despite the use of pure PC as the solvent. However, ceaseless solvent decomposition and intense exfoliation of graphene layers occurred at 25°C. The results of the Raman spectroscopic analysis indicated that the interaction between PC molecules and lithium ions became weaker at −15°C by chemical exchange effects, which suggested that the thermodynamic stability of the solvated lithium ions was an important factor that determined the formation of a solid electrolyte interface (SEI) in PC-based solutions. Charge–discharge analysis revealed that the nature of the SEI formed at −15°C in 1moldm−3 of LiClO4 in PC was significantly different from that formed at 25°C in 1moldm−3 of LiClO4 in PC containing vinylene carbonate, 3.27molkg−1 of LiClO4 in PC, and 1moldm−3 of LiClO4 in ethylene carbonate. •Lithium ion was intercalated into graphite in a PC-based solution at −15°C.•An effective SEI was formed on graphite by lowering of the reaction temperature.•The SEI formed at −15°C was stable and effective for protecting graphite at 25°C.