Structure of disordered electrode materials for Li-ion batteries

Traditionally, intercalation-type electrodes for Li-ion batteries have been highly crystalline materials with well-defined long-range order. This has been through of as a requirement for efficient and reversible ion-storage. However, recently several disordered or even amorphous electrode materials have emerged which display high and stable capacities. This brings new perspectives to the search for cheaper and environmentally friendly battery electrodes. However, presently very little is known about the nature of these disordered materials or about how ions are stored in them. In this experiment we aim to investigate the local structure of two types of electrode materials, LixTiO2 (0 < x < 1) and LixV2O5 (0 < x < 3). Hereby, we will unravel the details of the disordered structures and most importantly discover how the Li-ions are positioned herein.