Nickel-foam-supported reticular CoO-Li₂O composite anode materials for lithium ion batteries

Although considered to be the inactive component, Li₂O plays three important roles in the carbon-free CoO-Li₂O composite films (see SEM image) that have now been prepared: It prohibits CoO particle growth during synthesis, it oxidizes Co²⁺ to Co³⁺, and it acts as a structural buffer. The composite films, supported on a conducting nickel-foam substrate, were prepared by the electrostatic spray deposition technique. They display large initial discharge capacities and low first-cycle capacity losses. (Figure Presented).