Free-binder lithium ion battery based on a hybrid multiwalled carbon nanotube-graphitic platelet architecture

Abstract

We have developed a novel material with a hybrid multiwalled carbon nanotube–graphitic platelet architecture for lithium ion battery (LIB) anode that requires no additional aggregate and support materials such as polymeric binders and current collectors of copper or aluminum foils. The absence of these inhomogeneous additives signifies a weight increase of the anode active materials, which contributes to charge-discharge capacities and gives rise to increasing energy densities. The as-prepared materials were characterized by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electrochemical measurements. Results reveal that these hybrid architecture materials with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and layered and honeycombed graphitic platelets not only show excellent performance as LIB electrode material but also lower the manufacturing costs.