Elucidating the Lithiation Process in Fe3−δO4 Nanoparticles by Correlating Magnetic and Structural Properties
Creators
- 1. Department Materials Science and Engineering, Uppsala University, Sweden
- 2. European Spallation Source ERIC, Sweden
- 3. Department Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Stockholm University, Sweden
- 4. Department Chemistry, Uppsala University, Sweden
- 5. Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), , CSIC and BIST, Spain
Description
Abstract
Due to their high potential energy storage, magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles have become appealing as anode materials in lithium-ion batteries. However, the details of the lithiation process are still not completely understood. Here, we investigate chemical lithiation in 70 nm cubic-shaped magnetite nanoparticles with varying degrees of lithiation, x = 0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5. The induced changes in the structural and magnetic properties were investigated using X-ray techniques along with electron microscopy and magnetic measurements. The results indicate that a structural transformation from spinel to rock salt phase occurs above a critical limit for the lithium concentration (xc), which is determined to be between 0.5< xc ≤ 1 for Fe3−δO4. Diffraction and magnetization measurements clearly show the formation of the antiferromagnetic LiFeO2 phase. Upon lithiation, magnetization measurements reveal an exchange bias in the hysteresis loops with an asymmetry, which can be attributed to the formation of mosaic-like LiFeO2 subdomains. The combined characterization techniques enabled us to unambiguously identify the phases and their distributions involved in the lithiation process. Correlating magnetic and structural properties opens the path to increasing the understanding of the processes involved in a variety of nonmagnetic applications of magnetic materials.
Files
ulusoy-et-al-2024-elucidating-the-lithiation-process-in-fe3-δo4-nanoparticles-by-correlating-magnetic-and-structural.pdf
Files
(6.7 MB)
| Name | Size | Download all |
|---|---|---|
|
md5:8115c754b07d37c3a35c5faa48bf6030
|
6.7 MB | Preview Download |
Additional details
Identifiers
- Check Full Text Availability on Publisher's Webpage
- 10.1021/acsami.3c18334
Publishing information
- Title
- ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces
Summarization
- The structure of magnetite nanoparticles changes from one type (spinel) to another (rock salt) after a certain amount of lithium is added.
- The formation of a new antiferromagnetic phase called LiFeO2 is detected.
- They noticed unusual magnetic changes, like a tilted magnet, that happen due to the formation of small regions of this new LiFeO2 phase.
- By using several methods together, they clearly identified the phases and how they are distributed inside the particles.
- Understanding how batteries work at the tiny particle level can help create more powerful, efficient, and longer-lasting batteries.
- This research helps improve the design of future batteries for phones, laptops, and electric cars.
- It connects magnetic properties to battery performance, opening possibilities for new technology.
- Spinel and Rock Salt Structures: Think of these as two different ways tiny blocks can be stacked—like building with Lego in two different styles.
- Antiferromagnetic Phase: Imagine magnets in a row, but they alternate directions so their forces cancel each other out.
- Exchange Bias (Tilted
- The researchers found that as lithium is added to magnetite nanoparticles, a structural transformation occurs—from a spinel structure to a rock salt phase—once lithium concentration exceeds a critical value (between 0.5 and 1.0).
- The phase transformation brings about the formation of an antiferromagnetic LiFeO2 phase within the nanoparticles.
- This phase change is manifest in magnetic measurements, specifically through an observed exchange bias in the hysteresis loops, attributed to the mosaic-like distribution of LiFeO2 subdomains.
- The combination of advanced characterization techniques allowed the researchers to precisely determine which phases were present and how they were distributed during lithiation.
- Lithiation: The insertion or addition of lithium ions into a material's structure, often as part of charging a battery.
- Spinel Structure: A specific crystal structure commonly found in some metal oxides, characterized by a particular arrangement of atoms.
- Rock Salt Phase: Another type of crystal structure, typical of compounds like NaCl, marked by a different atomic arrangement than spinel.
- Exchange Bias: A magnetic phenomenon where the hysteresis loop (magnetization vs. applied field) is shifted due to interaction between different magnetic phases.
- Antiferromagnetic Phase: A type of magnetic order where adjacent atomic spins point in opposite directions, causing overall magnetic cancellation.
1. What is this research about?
This research explores how tiny particles of magnetite (a type of iron oxide) react when lithium is added, focusing on how their structure and magnetic properties change. These particles are being studied as materials for better lithium-ion batteries.
2. What did the researchers learn or conclude?
3. Why does this matter to people, students, or everyday life?
Explaining the 3 Most Difficult Concepts Simply
Main Topic
The article focuses on studying the lithiation process of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles, specifically how the insertion of lithium ions affects their structural and magnetic properties. This investigation is particularly relevant for improving the use of these materials as anodes in lithium-ion batteries.
Key Discoveries and Conclusions
Significance for Students and Everyday Life
Understanding the detailed lithiation process in magnetite nanoparticles helps scientists design better battery materials with higher energy storage and stability. For students, this showcases the practical impact of physical chemistry and materials science in developing technologies—especially batteries that power devices used in daily life, such as smartphones and electric vehicles.
Definitions of Complex Concepts
Disclaimer: This summary is for informational purposes only and simplifies complex scientific research. For complete accuracy and technical details, consult the original article.