Oxidized FeCoNi alloys as novel anode in Li-ion batteries

Oxidised FeCoNi alloys are prepared by an electrodeposition-annealing method. The performances of this type of nanostructured electrode are studied by the combination of structural techniques (transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction) and electrochemical tests in lithium cells. The oxidised FeCoNi alloy achieves an excellent Coulombic efficiency in first cycle (85–90%) as well as a minimal discharge polarization on subsequent cycles because the voltage plateau ascribable to metal reduction is kept invariable at around 0.8 V. These results disclose new pathways to fabricate low-cost and high-performance conversion electrodes as anode material for Li-ion secondary batteries.

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► A breakthrough in the electrochemical response of conversion oxides is reported.
► Reduced Coulombic irreversibility is achieved in the first cycle.
► Minimal discharge polarization is found on subsequent cycles.
► A new pathway to fabricate electrode materials for Li-ion batteries is shown.