LITHIUM NANOPARTICLE COMPOSITIONS FOR USE IN ELECTROCHEMICAL APPLICATIONS

摘要

Nanoscale lithium compositions are disclosed which are suitable for use in electrochemical applications such as electrodes and batteries. The compositions can include nanoparticles having lithium metal and/or lithium alloy cores. A shell material is contemplated comprising lithium nitride or another material that conducts lithium ions. Methods of preparing lithium compositions and methods of preparing electrodes comprising lithium compositions are further disclosed. The crystal structure of the nanoscale lithium compositions is preferably body centered cubic, allowing low volume expansion and high diffusivity of lithium from or into the core structures during discharge and charge processes, respectively.