Nickel-foam-supported reticular CoO-Li2O composite anode materials for lithium ion batteries

Although considered to be the inactive component, Li2O plays three important roles in the carbon-free CoO-Li2O composite films (see SEM image) that have now been prepared: It prohibits CoO particle growth during synthesis, it oxidizes Co2+ to Co3+, and it acts as a structural buffer. The composite films, supported on a conducting nickel-foam substrate, were prepared by the electrostatic spray deposition technique. They display large initial discharge capacities and low first-cycle capacity losses. (Figure Presented). © 2005 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.