Safer and Higher Electrochemical Performance of Binder Free Iron Oxide Anode As an Alternative to Graphite, Silicon and Lithium Metal Anodes in Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract

Graphite anode has lower capacity, but silicon and lithium metal anodes have higher capacities yet have safety concerns due to volume expansions. The expansion and related safety issues occur during the charging and discharging process and throughout the life of the battery. The objective is therefore to present an alternative that will exhibit desirable properties. We have employed a novel manufacturing technique that involved a new nanostructured material composition, mixing and coating processes to synthesize a nanolayered binder free iron oxide anode. Our experimental results include high electrochemical performance of 1,007mA/g specific capacity and this value remained consistent at various charging and discharging rates. We have demonstrated that our new technique can be used to make higher capacity binder free iron oxide anodes for making lithium-ion batteries for use in increasing range of electric vehicles and electric aircrafts; and increase life span of stationary backup and consumer electronic products. The observed data was derived from using half coin cells, and hence for industrial and commercial applications we plan to test the electrodes in prismatic cells.