Mechanisms for Lithium Insertion in Carbonaceous Materials

TLDR

Lithium can be inserted reversibly within most carbonaceous materials, with the mechanism depending on the carbon type. Lithium intercalates in layered carbons such as graphite, adsorbs on surfaces of single carbon layers in nongraphitizable hard carbons, and reversibly binds near hydrogen atoms in hydrogen‑rich carbons produced by heating organic precursors to about 700 °C. Each of these three classes of materials appears suitable for use in advanced lithium batteries.

Abstract

Lithium can be inserted reversibly within most carbonaceous materials. The physical mechanism for this insertion depends on the carbon type. Lithium intercalates in layered carbons such as graphite, and it adsorbs on the surfaces of single carbon layers in nongraphitizable hard carbons. Lithium also appears to reversibly bind near hydrogen atoms in carbonaceous materials containing substantial hydrogen, which are made by heating organic precursors to temperatures near 700°C. Each of these three classes of materials appears suitable for use in advanced lithium batteries.