Electrochemical Impedance Analysis of a Hierarchical CuO Electrode Composed of Self-Assembled Nanoplates

Abstract

Although 3d transition metal oxides (TMOs) are well-known as promising anodes for Li ion batteries, little is known about the mechanism of electrode process kinetics. In this work, impedance behavior of the flower-like hierarchical CuO electrode is first investigated to understand the kinetics that influences the performances of TMOs toward lithium. The electrochemical impedance spectra are measured at different discharge and charge states during cycling. A modified two-parallel diffusion path model is set up to account for the Nyquist plots. The kinetic parameters in the model that represent the migration of lithium ions through surface-passivating film, charge transfer on active material/electrolyte interfaces, and diffusion of lithium ions in solid material are discussed in detail. On the basis of the analysis of the variation of kinetic parameters, several promising approaches are proposed to improve the electrochemical performances of copper oxides, which can also be applicable to all the 3d transition metal oxides.