Eur. Phys. J. Special Topics 213, 213-224 (2012)
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjst/e2012-01672-5

Review

Synchrotron X-rays and neutrons as essential tools in Li battery research: Examples of oxide, phosphate and silicate-based positive electrodes

LRCS, Université Picardie Jules Verne, 33 rue Saint-Leu, 80039 Amiens, France

Received: 22 September 2012
Revised: 27 September 2012
Published online: 3 December 2012

Abstract

The precise characterization and structural analysis of positive electrodes for Li-ion batteries is essential for the development of long-life, safe and high-energy electrochemical systems. For this purpose X-Ray and neutron diffraction have proved to be essential tools in evaluating pristine powder materials (purity, cation ordering and distribution, defects) as well as the mechanisms (single-phase vs. two-phase reactions) of Li⁺ insertion/extraction in and out of these electrodes. This contribution focuses on the illustration of case-studies of structural considerations in oxides, phosphates and silicates of transition metal elements and lithium recently developed, in particular LiMn₂O₄, LiMPO₄ and Li₂MSiO₄ (M = Fe, Mn).