Electrochemical properties of a Cu-base metallic glass matrix composite containing LiCoO₂ cathode materials

For the purpose of enhancing the electrochemical performance of a cathode in a Li-ion battery, composites with a mechanically blended mixture of Cu-base metallic glass, LiCoO₂, and carbon black were developed. The cathodes were synthesized by warm rolling in the supercooled liquid region of the metallic glass by adjusting the reduction ratio to possess pores to enlarge the contact area to the electrolyte. The cyclic voltammetry tests of the cathodes showed good electrochemical reaction with high durability. The effective bonding between the metallic glass and LiCoO₂ developed by viscous flow of the metallic glass, and high capacity of absorbing the hydrostatic strain which is being occurred during the reaction in the metallic glass, can sustain the electrochemical reaction for a long time.