Electrochemical performance of Pb3(PO4)2 anodes in rechargeable lithium batteries

Lead phosphate was used as an intrinsic phosphorous-doped lead composite oxide in rechargeable lithium test batteries. For comparison the amorphous polymorph was prepared from the crystalline form by melt-quenching. The experimental results are analogous to tin composite oxide (TCO) anodes, with the amorphous form showing a higher capacity and better cyclability. The mechanism for rechargeability and the cause for capacity loss in the first cycle are also proposed.