Synthesis and characterization of molecular electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Rechargeable Li-ion batteries (LIBs) are nowadays gaining more and more importance in the storage of clean energy deriving from renewable sources as well as in portable devices applications. Thus, new electrode materials are being studied by several research group in order to constantly improve performances of LIBs. In this context, the aim of this thesis work was to synthesize, characterize and test cycling properties of two new cathodic materials: iron nitroprusside and its degradation product, called Fe(CN)O. Cubic iron nitroprusside as well as Fe(CN)O were successfully co-precipitated and thence investigated by means of different techniques such as Mössbauer spectroscopy, CHN elemental analysis, ATR-FTIR and X-rays techniques (XRD, WDX and SEM-EDX). Good cycling properties were registered for both the materials in LIBs and post-lithium systems such as Na and K-ion batteries. In situ analysis confirmed the hypothesis of a reversible reaction between materials and lithium ions occurring in the potential range of 1.7 - 4.2 V vs.Li + /Li.