Electroplated Silver-Modified CFx Cathode for Lithium Primary Batteries with High Rate Capability

Abstract

The inferior and unsatisfactory rate capability of lithium/carbon fluoride (Li/CFx) batteries caused by the intrinsic insulating property of CFx limits their application in fields requiring high power output. It has been acknowledged that improving the electrical conductivity of a CFx cathode is an essential and effective approach to enhance the electrochemical performance of Li/CFx batteries, especially at high current densities. In this study, Ag particles were homogeneously grown on the surface of a CFx cathode by electroplating in a solution of silver nitrate (AgNO3). The deposited Ag particles provided efficient pathways for the rapid transport of electrons and promoted the diffusion of Li+ throughout the fabricated electrode, which significantly enhanced the rate capability of the CFx cathode without sacrificing the specific capacity. The prepared hybrid cathode CFx modified by Ag particles maintained the maximum specific capacity of 752 mAh g–1 at 5 C and delivered an extremely high power density of 78.04 kW kg–1 at 50 C. Furthermore, the prepared electrodes with a high mass loading for pouch cells could also be decorated with Ag particles, which improved the capacity delivery and alleviated the temperature increase at high discharge rates. The modified CFx cathode by the electroplating method is simple, convenient, time-saving, and scalable and has great potential for improving the power output properties of Li/CFx batteries in practical applications.