Electrochemical Reactivity of Cu[sub 3]P with Lithium

Copper phosphide, has been synthesized using a solvothermal route. The electrochemical reaction of this binary phosphide with lithium has been studied to describe the insertion/extraction mechanism. The discharge of the half-cell up to 0.1 V proceeds by lithium insertion into a hexagonal structure and then by two successive biphasing processes involving the formation of and respectively. Simultaneously, copper metal is extruded from the matrix. During the charge the reversible processes are observed. After 15 cycles a 400 mAh g −1 specific capacity is retained. © 2004 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.