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Preparation and Characterization of ALD TiN Thin Films on Lithium Titanate Spinel (Li4Ti5O12) for Lithium Ion Battery Applications

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 February 2011

Mark Q. Snyder
Affiliation:
msnyder@umche.maine.edu, University of Maine, Chemical & Biological Engineering, 5737 Jenness Hall, Orono, ME, 04469, United States, (207) 581-2287, (207) 581-2323
Svetlana Trebukhova
Affiliation:
svetlana@lithion.com, Yardney Technical Products/Lithion, Inc., Pawcatuck, CT, 06379, United States
Boris Ravdel
Affiliation:
bravdel@lithion.com, Yardney Technical Products/Lithion, Inc., Pawcatuck, CT, 06379, United States
M. Clayton Wheeler
Affiliation:
cwheeler@umche.maine.edu, University of Maine, Chemical & Biological Engineering, 5737 Jenness Hall, Orono, ME, 04469, United States
Joseph DiCarlo
Affiliation:
jdicarlo@lithion.com, Yardney Technical Products/Lithion, Inc., Pawcatuck, CT, 06379, United States
Carl P. Tripp
Affiliation:
ctripp@maine.edu, University of Maine, Department of Chemistry, Orono, ME, 04469, United States
William J. DeSisto
Affiliation:
wdesisto@umche.maine.edu, University of Maine, Chemical & Biological Engineering, 5737 Jenness Hall, Orono, ME, 04469, United States
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Abstract

Lithium titanate spinel (Li4Ti5O12, or LTS) has received an increasing level of attention as a nanopowder lithium-ion battery anode. Nanopowder electrodes may provide a higher energy density than currently available. Furthermore, the surface of the spinel nanopowder has been studied in air, under vacuum, and at varying temperatures with diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy revealing surface hydroxyls, carbonates and water. Applying a TiN thin film, a film that is both conducting and chemically inert to harmful reactions with the solvent/electrolyte, by atomic layer deposition (ALD) may enhance battery cycle life. A 200-layer film was deposited at 500 °C. We have characterized the influence of a TiN thin film on Li-ion battery performance. Total nitrogen content and transmission electron microscopy were used to verify the presence of nitrogen and formation of a thin film, respectively, on LTS. Modifying the powder with an ALD thin film coating produced an anode material with a voltage profile that demonstrated longer charge maintenance with shorter transient periods. It also held a more consistent charge capacity over varying discharge rates in coin cell testing than unmodified LTS.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2007

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References

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