ABSTRACT
Crystalline size has tremendous effect on the thermodynamics
and kinetics in intercalation compounds. This includes diffusion/
transport length, effective surface area for exchange current,
surface energy, and interphase energy. We focus on LixFePO4,
where the phase changes by simple two-phase separation but
with controllable miscible character by raising temperature and/or
reducing crystalline size, thereby providing simple model system
to rationalize thermodynamics and electrochemistry in electrode
reaction. Our systematic experimental results on this issue are
reviewed and summarized. Negative aspects of nano-particle includ-
ing surface poisoning by air contact and its diagnosis will be also
demonstrated.
