Anisotropic Li+ ion conductivity in a large single crystal of a Co(III) coordination complex

Abstract

Large single crystals of a novel lithium cobalt coordination compound, LiCo(NC5H3(CO2)(2))(2)(H2O)(2.125) [LiCo(PDC)(2)] were grown via a hydrothermal reaction in high yield. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) data measured on a large single crystal of LiCo(PDC)(2) revealed very interesting anisotropic Li+ ion conductivity. The redox potential for Co3+/Co4+ observed at ca. 200 mV in the cyclic voltammogram was consistent with the electric potential where the ionic conductivity occurred. Detailed structural analysis on a series of stoichiometrically equivalent cobalt coordination compounds, ACo(PDC)(2) (A = Na+, K+, and H3O+), indicated that the presence of ion channels as well as a suitable cation size is critical for the anisotropic ionic conductivity.