Oxide cathode with perovskite structure for rechargeable lithium batteries

Lithium ions were electrochemically inserted into perovskite-type oxides SrVO3−δ and La0.50Li0.37TiO2.94 using galvanic cell: Li1 M LiClO4 in PCSrVO3−δ or La0.50Li0.37TiO2.94. It is found that the lattice parameters of SrVO3−δ will be increased and the discharge capacity of SrVO3−δ will be decreased as δ increased. At the composition where all of A-site vacancies in La0.50Li0.37TiO2.94 are just occupied by the lithium ions, the lattice parameter shows a sudden increase. The chemical diffusion coefficients of lithium ions in SrVO3−δ and La0.50Li0.37TiO2.94 were determined to be the values in the range from 10−8 to 10−12 cm2 s−1. Both oxides can be considered as a useful cathode of rechargeable lithium batteries. The charge/discharge characteristic can be improved by mixing of a small amount of carbon powder with the oxide.