A primitive model for intercalation–conversion bifunctional battery materials

Abstract

AbstractExploiting the synergy between intercalation and conversion reactions in a single battery material seems to be an emerging trend. We develop, herein, a primitive physicochemical model to understand the basic features of this new kind of battery material. The model describes intercalation and conversion reactions at the solid‐electrolyte interface, coupled with a solid‐phase diffusion process. Two cases of the electrode–electrolyte interface are considered. In the first case, the conversion reaction does not change the structure of the electrode–electrolyte interface. In the second case, the conversion reaction forms/decomposes a new phase of matter deposited on the electrode surface. The model sheds light on a few interesting aspects of the intercalation–conversion bifunctional system, including two‐stage discharging–charging behavior, interplay between intercalation and conversion reactions, and asymmetry between discharging and charging processes.