Chromium oxides and lithiated chromium oxides. Promising cathode materials for secondary lithium batteries

Chromium oxides and lithiated chromium oxides were synthesized by thermal decomposition of chromium trioxide (CrO3) at high temperatures and oxygen pressures. Synthesis temperature and pressure markedly affect the performance of these cathode materials. Higher pressures lead to a higher O/Cr ratio and fewer impurities in the final product. These materials are stable intercalation hosts for lithium, and exhibit a higher capacity than any of the prominent positive electrodes used in secondary lithium batteries. m-CrOx has a capacity of 255 mAh/g, while m-LiCrOx has a capacity of 210 mAh/g, during the first discharge. The average voltage of these cells is 3.0 V vs. Li/Li+ that gives an average energy density of approximately 650 Wh/Kg. © 1998 The Electrochemical Society. S1099-0062(98)07-090-4. All rights reserved.