Electrochemical Study of a CuO–Carbon Conversion Anode in Ionic Liquid Electrolyte for Application in Li‐Ion Batteries

Abstract A CuO–Carbon anode storing lithium through a conversion mechanism is electrochemically studied in cells employing Pyr14TFSI–LiTFSI electrolyte [Pyr14: N‐butyl‐N‐methylpyrrolidinium], [TFSI: bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide]. The electrode delivers a specific capacity as high as 580 mAh g−1 with a coulombic efficiency exceeding 98 %. The combination of CuO–carbon with a high‐voltage LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cathode in the ionic liquid electrolyte produces a Li‐ion battery with an average operating voltage of 3 V and specific capacity of approximately 120 mAh g−1. The cell, employing easily‐prepared electrodes and a safe ionic liquid electrolyte, represents a good candidate for use in sustainable power sources.