In this paper we published in a very wide-ranging discovery which allows to explain the phenomenon of energy hysteresis that is observed at the operation of lithium ion insertion materials at very small current densities. In addition, it explains the fact that the equilibrium potential of battery depends on the history of processes that have taken place. The general thermodynamic interpretation is not confined to battery systems, but applies to all systems with coexistence of a large number of coupled, phase separated basic units with inhomogeneous profile of the chemical potential.
COBISS.SI-ID: 4476186
In this paper we propose a new strategy for the stabilization of active particle size and morphology during heating using stabilizers that form covalent bonds on an active particle surface. The effect of size and morphology stabilization using ceramic precursors is demonstrated on hydrated titania nanotubes. The charge-discharge curves show that the reversible capacity of anatase depends on the particle size and the amount of mesopores while samples having a similar particle size but larger pore volume, are found to show significantly better performance.
COBISS.SI-ID: 4161818
In this work we show that the use of two ceramic additives can enhance the high-rate capability (up to 20 A/g – 120C) of nanoparticulate anatase formed by thermal treatment of protonated TiO2 nanotubes. We show systematically that use of RuO2 as an electron-conductive material and silica as a suppressant of particle growth improve the high-rate performance of anatase by 25-55 mA h/g at 60 C. The combined use of both additives in a total amount of merely 2.5 wt.% leads to an improvement of more than 70 mA h/g at 60C. The underlying mechanisms for these significant effects are briefly discussed.
COBISS.SI-ID: 3903258
In this paper we propose, for the first time, a possibility of the use of soluble organic molecules as active electrode materials in Li-ion batteries. We showed that the use of soluble organic molecules is possible by their grafting (anchoring) onto the insoluble surface. First concept was proposed by the grafting of quinon derivate of calix[4]arene on the high surface area particles. A high stability during constant charge/discharge processes of the composite electrode material has been achieved.
COBISS.SI-ID: 34436869
In this paper we show that the rate performance of anatase TiO2 can be significantly improved by addition of a small amount (few percent) of carefully selected oxides such as silica or RuO2. Specifically, silica serves primarily as a suppressant of particle growth during heating of anatase precursor-in our case titania nanotubes. The addition of RuO2 is supposed to enhance the electronic conductivity. The beneficial impact of the combined use of silica and RuO2 in the preparation of anatase-based electrodes is also demonstrated on a commercially available sample of anatase.
COBISS.SI-ID: 4071706