A theoretical and experimental study of the lithiation of -CuSn in a lithium-ion battery
arXiv:cond-mat/0303091
Abstract
In this work, the mechanism of Li insertion in -CuSn to form LiCuSn is discussed in detail, based on both theoretical calculations and experimental results. The mechanism is investigated by means of first principles calculations, with the full potential linearized augmented plane wave method, in combination with {\it in situ} X-ray diffraction experiments. The -CuSn structure, as well as its lithiated products, have been optimized and the electronic charge density calculated in order to study the change in bond character on lithiation. The average insertion voltage of the -CuSn-LiCuSn transformation has been calculated to be 0.378V in good agreement with the experimental value.
11 pages and 6 figures accepted for publication in J. Electr. Chem Soc. 2003