In situ conductivity measurements of LiCoO2 film during lithium insertion/extraction by using interdigitated microarray electrodes

TLDR: In this paper, LiMn2O4 films were prepared by RF magnetron sputtering on interdigitated microarray electrodes and in situ conductivity-potential profiles and cyclic voltammograms during extraction/insertion processes of Li ions were obtained simultaneously in nonaqueous and aqueous electrolyte solutions (1M LiClO4/propylene carbonate and 1 M LiCl/water).

Abstract: Thin films of LiMn2O4 have been prepared by RF magnetron sputtering on interdigitated microarray electrodes. In situ conductivity–potential profiles and cyclic voltammograms during extraction/insertion processes of Li ions were obtained simultaneously in nonaqueous and aqueous electrolyte solutions (1 M LiClO4/propylene carbonate and 1 M LiCl/water). The electronic conductivity of Li1–xMn2O4 was found not to show metallic transition and maintain its semiconducting state during the extraction/insertion of Li ion. A slight decrease in conductivity was observed with increasing the anodic potential, i.e., with increasing x (lithium extraction) and recovered reversibly when the potential returned to the cathodic side (re-insertion of Li ions). Similar results were obtained in both aqueous and nonaqueous electrolyte solutions.