Perovskite oxides with Pb at B-site as Li-ion battery anodes

Perovskite ceramic oxides (ABO3) have emerged as strong contenders against graphite anodes in non-aqueous metal-ion batteries. Exploring perovskites, we studied lithium insertion in barium lead oxide (BaPbO3) and strontium lead oxide (SrPbO3) perovskites, where lead (Pb4+) occupies the B-site. BaPbO3 and SrPbO3, mass produced by solid-state or solution-combustion route, delivered reversible capacities upto 333 mAh/g and 339 mAh/g corresponding to 4.3 and 4.9 lithium uptake, respectively at room temperature. Among them, BaPbO3 showed stable cycling for 50 cycles. Furthermore, at 50 0C, BaPbO3 delivers a first charge capacity of 382 mAh/g (or 5.6 lithium per formula unit) maintaining excellent stability beyond 50 cycles. Ex situ diffraction and microscopy studies confirm charge storage occurs via initial conversion (PbIV/PbII -> Pb0) followed by reversible (de)alloying (Li-Pb) reaction. These results showcase perovskites as a promising family of Li-ion battery anodes.