A Novel CuO-Carbon/ Ni-Cu-Mn-Spinel Lithium-Ion Battery

We report here a copper-doped Li_0.85Ni_0.46Cu_0.1Mn_1.49O₄ high voltage, spinel electrode prepared by an easy, two-step co-precipitation and solid state process. We show that this material adopts an unique morphology characterized by well-developed, crystalline and aggregated micro-particles, that considerably reduces the occurrence of side reactions. This electrode material can operate in a lithium cell at voltages as high as 5.3 V without sign of electrolyte decomposition, delivering a capacity of about 100 mAh g^-1 with high retention and high coulombic efficiency over prolonged cycling. By combining Li_0.85Ni_0.46Cu_0.1Mn_1.49O₄as cathode with a conversion-type, CuO-MCMB anode, a full lithium ion battery exhibiting good performances in terms of voltage (3.4 V), coulombic efficiency (higher than 95%) and  stability is obtained.

To the best of our knowledge, such a copper-based battery system is here originally reported. This battery employs sustainable, eco-compatible, low-cost and easily-prepared electrode materials, an additional bonus that makes it particularly suitable for practical exploitation.