Abstract
New three-dimensional (3D) porous electrode concepts are required to overcome limitations in Li-ion batteries in terms of morphology (e.g., shapes, dimensions), mechanical stability (e.g., flexibility, high electroactive mass loadings), and electrochemical performance (e.g., low volumetric energy densities and rate capabilities). Here a new electrode concept is introduced based on the direct growth of vertically-aligned carbon nanotubes (VA-CNTs) on embroidered Cu current collectors. The direct growth of VA-CNTs was achieved by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), and there was no application of any post-treatment or cleaning procedure. The electrochemical behavior of the as-grown VA-CNTs was analyzed by charge/discharge cycles at different specific currents and with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. The results were compared with values found in the literature. The as-grown VA-CNTs exhibit higher specific capacities than graphite and pristine VA-CNTs found in the literature. This together with the possibilities that the Cu embroidered structures offer in terms of specific surface area, total surface area, and designs provide a breakthrough in new 3D electrode concepts.
Highlights
New concepts are required to increase the volumetric energy density and rate capabilities of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries
The direct growth of vertically-aligned carbon nanotubes (VA-carbon nanotubes (CNTs)) was achieved by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), and there was no application of any post-treatment or cleaning procedure
Anodes consisting of VA-CNTs directly grown on embroidered Cu wire current collectors, with PECVD, were investigated
Summary
New concepts are required to increase the volumetric energy density and rate capabilities of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. They were shown to support higher mass loadings than their two-dimensional (2D) metal foils counterparts Another strategy to increase the usable capacity, and the energy density, is to produce free-standing electrodes, which do not have a current collector [3,4]. Introducing defects or removing the metal caps (catalyst particles that initiate the growth of the CNTs) can reduce the energy barrier and facilitate Li+ diffusion into the inner core of the CNTs as well as their adsorption on the walls [7] Another strategy to increase the specific capacity involves alloying/de-alloying with metal ions such as silicon or tin [8], as well as by conversion reactions with transition metal compounds such as iron, cobalt, or manganese [9,10]
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