Size controlled CuO nanoparticles for Li-ion batteries

• Published in: Journal of power sources Vol. 241; pp. 415 - 422
• Main Authors: Waser, Oliver, Hess, Michael, Güntner, Andreas, Novák, Petr, Pratsinis, Sotiris E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.11.2013; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; BATTERIES; COMPOSITES; Conversion reaction; COPPER OXIDE; Cupric oxide; CUPROUS OXIDE; Diffraction; Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells; Electrodes; Exact sciences and technology; Lithium batteries; Lithium-ion batteries; Nano powder; Nanoparticles; Oxidation state; OXIDES; PARTICLES; Size effect; Spray pyrolysis; Transmission electron microscopy; X RAYS; Nano powder; Conversion reaction; Cupric oxide; Oxidation state; Size effect; Copper Oxides; Lithium ion batteries; Valence; Nanoparticle; Secondary cell; Copper oxide; Powder
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2013.04.147

Monocrystalline copper(II) oxide nanoparticles were made by scalable flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) and analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption (BET), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES). Their primary particle diameter was closely controlled from 6 to 50 nm by varying the FSP conditions. Their electrochemical performance as Li-ion battery materials was tested in composite electrodes vs. Li-metal. Near theoretical specific charges were obtained for intermediate CuO sizes of 20 and 50 nm (dBET). In contrast, larger, commercially available CuO (dBET = 670 nm) exhibited significantly lower practical specific charge due to incomplete oxidation in the delithiation cycle as indicated by the remaining Cu and Cu2O by XRD and XANES analysis. [Display omitted] •Size controlled & scalable synthesis of CuO nanoparticles from 6 to 50 nm (dBET).•Theoretical specific charge of 674 mA h g−1 achieved for 20 nm CuO particles.•Enhanced oxidation/reduction of nano-sized CuO particles proven by XANES and XRD.