Electrochemical Li-ion storage in defect spinel iron oxides: the critical role of cation vacancies†
Abstract
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are the preferred power source for consumer electronic devices, but the cost and toxicity of many cathode materials limit their scale-up. Worldwide research efforts are addressing this concern by transitioning from conventional Co- and Ni-based intercalation hosts towards Fe- and Mn-based alternatives. The unfavorable energetics of the Fe2+/3+redox couple and limited Li-insertion capacities render the use of