Exploration of Cu Metal Migration in Cu2Sb Anode Materials

1. Cu Metal-migration for Cu2Sb Anode MaterialsAmy L. Prieto, Colorado State University, DMR 0956011 Intermetallic compounds such as Cu2Sb are of interest as anodes for Li-ion batteries because they exhibit very high volumetric densities for Li-ions. Typically these compounds exhibit very large volume changes when they are lithiated (which results in severe mechanical stresses, and thus loss of capacity over repeated cycling). We have demonstrated the direct electrodeposition of Cu2Sb onto a variety of surfaces, included a transmission electron microscopy grid (shown at right). Cycling under controlled conditions, and then using elemental mapping, provides a direct route toward imaging the morphology, size, and distance of migration for the Cu particles that are extruded. The 2nd step in the lithiation of Cu2Sb occurs at 0.6 V vs Li/Li+ Li2CuSb + 1e- + Li+→ Li3Sb + Cu Note that the Cu nanoparticles (blue) have migrated a significant distance from the Li3Sb particles

2. Cu Metal-migration for Cu2Sb Anode MaterialsAmy L. Prieto, Colorado State University, DMR 0956011 The main efforts for our outreach activities this past year were to take the heart of the successful Chemistry Club’s shows for children and translate them into videos that can be widely disseminated to elementary school teachers in rural communities. We have completed our first script, and are now in the process of filming the first video, which will be posted on YouTube. Chemistry Club’s annual Halloween show at CSU.