Size-dependent kinetics during non-equilibrium lithiation of nano-sized zinc ferrite.

ABSTRACT: Spinel transition metal oxides (TMOs) have emerged as promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. It has been shown that reducing their particle size to nanoscale dimensions benefits overall electrochemical performance. Here, we use in situ transmission electron microscopy to probe the lithiation behavior of spinel ZnFe₂O₄ as a function of particle size. We have found that ZnFe₂O₄ undergoes an intercalation-to-conversion reaction sequence, with the initial intercalation process being size dependent. Larger ZnFe₂O₄ particles (40 nm) follow a two-phase intercalation reaction. In contrast, a solid-solution transformation dominates the early stages of discharge when the particle size is about 6-9 nm. Using a thermodynam

SUBMITTER: Li J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6327060 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature