Achievement

Arturo Guttierrez researches the use of polyanion materials as cathodes in lithium ion batteries. They are considered safer than traditional oxide cathodes because of the strong binding within the polyoxyanion structure. The pyrophosphate Li2MP2O7 (M = Mn, Fe, and Co) cathode has the potential for two lithium ions to be extracted per M which leads high theoretical capacities of ~ 220 mAh/g. In addition, the high redox potential of the pyrophosphate materials ensures high energy and power densities. No literature report has shown the extraction/insertion of more than one lithium ion per M from the Li2MP2O7 pyrophosphates. Utilizing Microwave Assisted Hydrothermal and Solvothermal synthesis in order to produce materials with smaller particle sizes may allow more than one lithium ion to be extracted from the structure and result in safer and more efficient batteries.