The
reaction mechanism of anti-PbO type CoSe in Li, Na, and K ion
half cells is studied. Ex situ X-ray diffraction data is analyzed
with the Rietveld method, in conjunction with discharge profiles and
extended cycling data. These indicate that intercalation followed
by a conversion reaction occur in all systems. For the case of Na,
the intercalation reaction was associated with a contraction in the
stacking axis lattice parameter, whereas Li and K exhibited expansion.
Magnetic susceptibility versus temperature measurements of Li- and
Na-intercalated CoSe samples produce unusual results, and several
explanations are proposed, including the formation of a superconductive
phase. Extended cycling experiments are also performed, and high initial
capacities of 937, 657, and 972 mAh/g are observed for Li, Na, and
K, respectively. However, all systems exhibit significantly lower
second discharge capacities of 796, 530, and 515 mAh/g. The capacities
continue to decline during extended cycling, with the systems exhibiting
tenth cycle capacity fades of 52, 85, and 95% and Li half cells exhibit
capacities over 150 mAh/g at 15 mA/g after 50 cycles. The capacity
fade is likely attributable to volume changes and irreversibility
associated with conversion and intercalation reactions. This work
correlates electrochemical features to the structural evolution, magnetic
properties, and reaction mechanisms.