Atomic resolution observation of conversion-type anode RuO 2 during the first electrochemical lithiation

Transition metal oxides have attracted great interest as alternative anode materials for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Among them, ruthenium dioxide is considered to be a prototype material that reacts with the Li ions in the conversion type. In situ transmission electron microscopy reveals a two-step process during the initial lithiation of the RuO 2 nanowire anode at atomic resolution. The first step is characterized by the formation of the intermediate phase Li x RuO 2 due to the Li-ion intercalation. The following step is manifested by the solid-state amorphization reaction driven by advancing the reaction front. The crystalline/amorphous interface is consisted of {011} atomic terraces, revealing the orientation-dependent mobility. In the crystalline matrix, lattice disturbance and dislocation are identified to be two major stress-induced distortions. The latter can be effective diffusion channels, facilitating transportation o...

Minmin Mao, Anmin Nie, Jiabin Liu, Hongtao Wang, Scott X Mao, Qingxiao Wang, Kun Li and Xi-Xiang Zhang

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