Al-based anode materials for Li-ion batteries

The electrochemical performance of Fe2Al5 was investigated as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. Fe2Al5 was prepared by arc melting the constituent elements, crushing to a suitable size and then ball milling. By removing samples from the ball mill at various times the effect of milling time on the electrochemical properties was examined. The highest discharge capacity (485 mAh/g) observed was as a result of ball milling for 10,000 min which is consistent with the theoretical capacity for formation of AlLi (543 mAh/g). Cyclic voltammetry and differential capacity plots, however, do not offer conclusive evidence of the formation of AlLi. Both charge and discharge capacity improved with increasing milling but cycle life remained poor. Removal of lithium from the structure was difficult with charge capacities being quite low. The first charge capacities for instance were in the range of 20–40% of the first discharge capacity.