The lithium intercalation process in the low-voltage lithium battery anode Li1+xV1−xO2

Lithium can be reversibly intercalated into layered Li1+xV1−xO2 (LiCoO2 structure) at ∼0.1 V, but only if x>0. The low voltage combined with a higher density than graphite results in a higher theoretical volumetric energy density; important for future applications in portable electronics and electric vehicles. Here we investigate the crucial question, why Li cannot intercalate into LiVO2 but Li-rich compositions switch on intercalation at an unprecedented low voltage for an oxide? We show that Li+ intercalated into tetrahedral sites are energetically more stable for Li-rich compositions, as they share a face with Li+ on the V site in the transition metal layers. Li incorporation triggers shearing of the oxide layers from cubic to hexagonal packing because the Li2VO2 structure can accommodate two Li per formula unit in tetrahedral sites without face sharing. Such understanding is important for the future design and optimization of low-voltage intercalation anodes for lithium batteries

Battery Technologies for Transportation Applications

More than a fifth of the greenhouse emissions produced worldwide come from the transport sector. Several initiatives have been developed over the last few decades, aiming at improving vehicles’ energy conversion efficiency and improve mileage per liter of fuel. Most recently, electric vehicles have been brought back into the market as real competitors of conventional vehicles. Electric vehicle technology offers higher conversion efficiencies, reduced greenhouse emissions, low noise, etc. There are, however, several challenges to overcome, for instance: improving batteries’ energy density to increase the driving range, fast recharging, and initial cost. These issues are addressed on this chapter by looking in depth into both conventional and non-conventional storage technologies in different transportation applications