lítiumkobaltoxid

Lithium cobalt oxide, with the chemical formula LiCoO2, is an inorganic compound commonly used as a cathode material in lithium-ion batteries. It is a dark blue or black crystalline solid that is insoluble in water. The compound is characterized by its layered crystal structure, which allows for the intercalation and deintercalation of lithium ions during the electrochemical charging and discharging processes.

Developed in the 1980s, lithium cobalt oxide played a crucial role in the commercialization of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Its relatively high energy density and stability made it an ideal choice for early portable electronic devices such as laptops and mobile phones. The synthesis of LiCoO2 typically involves solid-state reactions at high temperatures, often starting from lithium carbonate and cobalt oxide.

While widely adopted, lithium cobalt oxide batteries have limitations. They can be prone to thermal runaway if overcharged or damaged, posing a safety concern. Furthermore, the high cost and environmental impact associated with cobalt mining have driven research into alternative cathode materials. Despite these challenges, lithium cobalt oxide remains an important component in many energy storage applications, particularly where a balance of energy density and established manufacturing processes is desired. Ongoing research continues to explore modifications and improvements to enhance its performance and safety.