Rechargeable nonaqueous lithium/Mo6S8 battery

Abstract

Electrochemical cells based on the intercalation of lithium into Mo6S8 were examined by derivative constant current chronopotentiometry, in situ X-ray diffraction, and long-term cycling. About three-quarters of the capacity of such cells oeeurs between 2.0 and 2.1 V with most of the remainder near 2.45 V. Li/Mo6S8 cells have a long cycle life, good discharge rate capability, and an energy density of at least 260 W∙h/kg (1 W∙h = 3.6 kJ) of active material. Such cells can be made by starting with cathodes made from ternary Chevrel phase compounds. AyMo6S8 (A = Cu, Fe, Ni), and electrochemically converting these materials to form LixMo6S8.