Defect chemistry and Li-ion diffusion in Li2RuO3

Abstract

Layered Li2RuO3 is an important candidate cathode material in rechargeable lithium ion batteries because of its novel anionic redox process and high reversible capacity. Atomistic scale simulations are used to calculate the intrinsic defect process, favourable dopants and migration energies of lithium ion diffusions together with migration paths in Li2RuO3. The Li Frenkel is calculated to be the most favourable intrinsic defect type. The cation anti-site defect, in which Li and Ru ions exchange their positions is 1.89 eV/defect suggesting that this defect would be observed at high temperatures. Long range vacancy assisted lithium diffusion paths were calculated and it is confirmed that the lowest overall activation energy (0.73 eV) migration path is along the ab plane. Trivalent dopants (Al3+, Co3+, Sc3+, In3+, Y3+, Gd3+ and La3+) were considered to create additional Li in Li2RuO3. Here we show that Al3+ or Co3+ are the ideal dopants and this is in agreement with the experimental studies reported on Co3+ doping in Li2RuO3.