Lithium copper oxide cathode for lithium cells and batteries

摘要

The invention provides a rechargeable lithium battery which comprises an electrolyte; a negative electrode having a compatible active material; and a positive electrode comprising a lithium copper oxide intercalation compound. The positive electrode active material is characterized by an ability to deintercalate lithium ions for intercalation into the negative electrode active material. The lithium copper oxide has a proportion of 2 lithium ions per formula unit of the copper oxide and upon electrochemical interaction with a negative electrode deintercalates lithium ions whereupon the proportion of lithium ions per copper oxide formula unit is less than 2. The lithium copper oxide is a compound represented by the nominal general formula Li2CuO2. The lithium copper oxide compound is alternatively represented by the nominal general formula Li2-xCuO2, signifying its capability to deintercalate lithium.