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Ch.7 - Periodic Properties of the Elements
Chapter 7, Problem 89c

(c) Will the lithium cobalt oxide cathode expand or contract as lithium ions are inserted?

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Lithium Ion Insertion

Lithium ion insertion refers to the process where lithium ions move into the structure of a cathode material, such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2), during charging. This process is crucial for the operation of lithium-ion batteries, as it allows for the storage of electrical energy. The movement of these ions can lead to changes in the material's structure and volume.
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Ion Formation

Structural Changes in Cathodes

The insertion of lithium ions into a cathode material can cause structural changes, which may result in either expansion or contraction of the material. In the case of lithium cobalt oxide, the insertion of lithium ions typically leads to an expansion of the lattice structure, as the ions occupy interstitial sites within the crystal framework, increasing the overall volume of the cathode.
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Chemical Changes

Volume Change and Battery Performance

The volume change of cathode materials during lithium ion insertion is significant for battery performance. If the material expands too much, it can lead to mechanical stress, cracking, or degradation of the electrode, ultimately affecting the battery's lifespan and efficiency. Understanding these volume changes is essential for designing stable and durable battery systems.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
The following observations are made about two hypothetical elements A and B: The A¬A and B¬B bond lengths in the elemental forms of A and B are 236 and 194 pm, respectively. A and B react to form the binary compound AB2, which has a linear structure (that is B-A-B = 180°). Based on these statements, predict the separation between the two B nuclei in a molecule of AB2.
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Textbook Question

Elements in group 7A in the periodic table are called the halogens; elements in group 6A are called the chalcogens. (a) What is the most common oxidation state of the chalcogens compared to the halogens?

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Textbook Question
Note from the following table that there is a significant increase in atomic radius upon moving from Y to La, whereas the radii of Zr to Hf are the same. Suggest an explanation for this effect. Atomic Radii (pm) Sc 170 Ti 160 Y 190 Zr 175 La 207 Hf 175
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Textbook Question

(d) Lithium is not nearly as abundant as sodium. If sodium ion batteries were developed that function in the same manner as lithium ion batteries, do you think 'sodium cobalt oxide' would still work as the electrode material? Explain.

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Textbook Question

The ionic substance strontium oxide, SrO, forms from the reaction of strontium metal with molecular oxygen. The arrangement of the ions in solid SrO is analogous to that in solid NaCl: (a) Write a balanced equation for the formation of SrO(s) from its elements.

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Textbook Question

The ionic substance strontium oxide, SrO, forms from the reaction of strontium metal with molecular oxygen. The arrangement of the ions in solid SrO is analogous to that in solid NaCl:

(b) Based on the ionic radii in Figure 7.8, predict the length of the side of the cube in the figure (the distance from the center of an atom at one corner to the center of an atom at a neighboring corner).

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