Cu3P binary phosphide: Synthesis via a wet mechanochemical method and electrochemical behavior as negative electrode material for lithium-ion batteries

Mechanochemical synthesis of Cu3P in the presence of n-dodecane results in a material with a secondary particle size distribution of 10 μ m, secondary particles which consist of homogeneously agglomerated 20 nm primary particles. The electrochemical performance of Cu3P with lithium is infl uenced by the reaction depth, in other words by the lower potential cut-off. During the electrochemical reaction, the displacement of copper by lithium from the Cu3P structure until the formation of Li3 P and Cu deteriorates the capacity retention. Improved performance was obtained when the charge potential was limited to 0.50 V (vs. Li/Li+) and the formation of the Li x Cu 3-x P phase (0 = × = 2). In this case, when the potential is limited to 0.5 V, the capacity is stable for more than 50 cycles. Acceptable electrochemical performances in Li-ion cells within the voltage range 0.50-2.0 V (vs. Li/Li+) were shown when Cu3P was used as an anode and Li 1.2 (Ni0.13Mn0.54Co0.13)O 2and LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 as positive electrode materials. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co.