Clustering in Condensed Lithium Ternary Phases A Way Towards Quasicrystals

Clustering in Condensed Lithium Ternary Phases A Way Towards Quasicrystals 

Lithium has been alloyed with gaUium and small amounts of valence-electron poorer elements Cu, Ag, Zn and Cd. like the early p-block elements (especially group 13), these elements are icosogen, a term which was coined by King for elements that can form icosahedron-based clusters [24]. In these combinations, the valence electron concentrations are reduced to such a degree that low-coordinated Ga atoms are no longer present, and icosahedral clustering prevails [25]. Periodic 3-D networks are formed from an icosahedron kernel and the icosahedral symmetry is extended within the boundary of a few shells. 

The need for better performing and secure anodic materials in lithium-ion batteries compared with those based on carbon, has boosted research in various domains. Lithium/post-transition element (Al, Si, Sn, Sb...) binary systems have been widely investigated. Owing to the numerous intermetallic compounds that 

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