Hydrolysis lignin-based organic electrode material for primary lithium batteries

The possibility of using hydrolysis lignin as a cathode material for primary lithium batteries has been demonstrated for the first time. The electroconductivity, morphology, and element composition of hydrolysis lignin have been investigated by means of the methods of impedance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The main parameters and the behavior of lignin-based lithium batteries were studied using two electrolyte systems: 1 M LiBF4 in gamma-butyrolacton and 1 M LiClO4 in propylene carbonate. The chemical composition of cathode materials upon battery discharge down to 0.9 V was studied by the methods of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy. The suggestions on possible electrochemical reactions occurring in the lithium/hydrolysis lignin system were made on the basis of the products composition analysis.