Influence of lithium on nanosized films of Fe 2 O 3

We have investigated nanosized thin films of α-Fe2O3 (hematite) and α-Fe2O3 with addition of Li, by the impedance spectroscopy (IS), the Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Combining all of these methods, and earlier obtained thermally stimulated currents (TSC) on the same samples, the dependence of structural and electrical properties upon percentage of Li added into the matrix of these metal-oxide films was found. The comparison of IS, Raman, SEM, XRD, and TSC results reveals the increase of the size of nanoparticles upon inducing 1% of Li in Fe2O3 matrix followed by the decrease of the size of nanoparticles in the case of samples with 10% Li, as well as the decrease (increase) of conductivity, respectively. These changes are explained by the structural and morphological changes caused by the impact of Li+ ions in the charge transfers. This material is suitable for application in the galvanic cell of second generation that could be used as solar-cells backup.