Iron oxide electrodes in lithium organic electrolyte rechargeable batteries

Abstract

The electrochemical reaction of iron oxide (α-Fe2O3) with lithium in an organic electrolyte cell has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry, polarization curves, atomic absorption analyses and Mossbauer spectroscopy. This reaction involves a multistep insertion process which appears reversible for a wide range of lithium content in iron oxide. Therefore, lithium-rich iron oxide may be regarded as a negative electrode, alternative to pure lithium metal, in organic electrolyte batteries, with possible advantages in terms of cycling life. The performance of this iron oxide-based lithium electrode has been tested in cells using pristine intercalation compounds as the positive counterelectrodes.