LITHIUM IN W18O49 - SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF NOVEL PHASES

Electrochemical lithium insertion into W18O49 has allowed the determination of the existence of a range of intercalated phases, LixW(18)O(49). For x<22 the phases form through an intercalation reaction and four single-phase regions are detected: x=0-2.6, 3.4-10, 11-15, 15.5-22. In the last of these composition ranges and by reaction with n-butyllithium, a new phase, Li17W18O49, can be isolated that has a multiple cell, with respect to the starting phase. By following this chemical route, the maximum lithium content corresponds to Li40W18O49. Electrochemical experiments showed that lithium is not reversibly intercalated in this last phase.