Abstract
The electrochemical reaction of with lithium occurs via a multistep process that leads to the formation of metallic copper, and as shown by electrochemical and X-ray diffraction measurements. The structural similarity between these three phases facilitates this topotactic “displacement” reaction that is almost fully reversible on oxidation, re-forming crystalline and expulsing Li. The system shows high reversibility during the first cycle, with an irreversibility of only 17%, good cyclability, and a reversible volumetric capacity of 2500 mAh/cm3. These properties suggest it could be an interesting anode material for lithium batteries. © 2004 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.