One of the important
discharge mechanisms for lithium batteries
is the conversion reaction mechanism, where a metal oxide (fluoride)
can decompose into metallic nanoparticles embedded in a Li
2
O (LiF) matrix. Here, 30% Li-doped Bi
25
FeO
40
is successfully synthesized and displays an electrochemical discharge
capacity of ∼300 mAh/g above 1.5 V (vs Li/Li
+
).
During the electrochemical cycling process, 30% Li-doped Bi
25
FeO
40
is decomposed into metallic Bi. During the subsequent
charging process, the metallic bismuth can be first converted into
an amorphous bismuth oxide phase, which contributed to the electrochemical
discharge activities observed between 2 and 2.5 V. At a higher charging
voltage between 3.5 and 5 V, metallic Bi can be oxidized to BiO
x
2–
O
3–2
x
–
, which contributes to the discharge
activities observed above 2.5 V. Using graphite as current collectors
can prevent the corrosion from O
–
species and the
discharge capacity is greatly enhanced at the voltage region between
1.5 and 2.5 V. This work provides a deeper understanding over the
role of oxygen ions during the conversion reaction process and is
beneficial for the future design of battery systems based on the conversion
reaction.