Abstract
In an attempt to upgrade the performance of lithium (Li)-ion batteries, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been suggested as a high-energy anode material. However, CNTs induce high irreversible capacity loss during the first cycle of the battery, which still poses a scientific challenge. This study explores CNT tissue as a flexible light-weight alternative to the copper (Cu) foil as an anode current collector in Li-ion batteries, employing graphite active material. The study demonstrates the impact of the graphite mass loaded on the anode performance and suggests that with the increase in the graphite mass, the irreversible capacity loss is considerably decreased. At sufficiently high graphite loadings, the performance during the first cycle becomes comparable to that of an anode utilizing the Cu current collector. This research also presents several distinct chemical pretreatments to the tissue, aiming to further decrease the irreversible capacity loss. It is suggested that this goal may be accomplished by washing the CNT with sulfuric acid prior to anode preparation, prompting better performance.
Highlights
Carbon nanotube tissue as anode current collector for flexible Li-ion batteries—Understanding the controlling parameters influencing the electrochemical performance
During charging of the battery, Li ions are transported to the carbon anode, where they are intercalated in the spaces between neighboring graphite sheets
The formation of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is crucial for prevention of Li plating onto the carbon anode during discharge; it is accompanied by an irreversible capacity loss,[12] restraining the anode capacity from reaching its theoretical limit (372 mAh/gr)
Summary
Carbon nanotube tissue as anode current collector for flexible Li-ion batteries—Understanding the controlling parameters influencing the electrochemical performance. Conductive polymers, such as polypyrrole and polyaniline, are characterized with discharge capacities not much above 100 mAh/gr and have been investigated as electrode materials for batteries and supercapacitors, with and without additional active material.[5,19,20] Another flexible light-weight replacement for the Cu anode current collector is the carbon nanotube (CNT) tissue.[21,22] Using bare CNT as the active material has been attempted but was found to be a less favorable option due to extensive irreversible capacity loss during the first cycle (∼103 mAh/gr).[21,22,23,24,25,26] Graphene anodes may provide a higher reversible capacity than CNT albeit the irreversible capacity loss during the first cycle is still of the same order of magnitude.[27,28] This capacity loss has been attributed to the immense active surface area of the CNT, which increases the amount of Li invested in the formation of the SEI.
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