Influence of particle size and matrix in “metal” anodes for Li-ion cells

Electrodes of bismuth were prepared and tested as anodes for lithium ion batteries, with different particle sizes and binders, while varying the amount of active material in the mixture. Bismuth has been chosen as a “model” metal to investigate the influence of particle size on the electrochemical performance of the bismuth electrode since the potential window of Li–Bi alloys formation is relatively “high” (0.8–0.6 V) and prevents other components within the electrode from being electrochemically active versus lithium in this potential window. It appears that the use of nanosized particles with large amount of binder improves the electrode cyclability but that other problems are highlighted while using such electrodes.