Coaxial carbon/metal oxide/aligned carbon nanotube arrays as high-performance anodes for lithium ion batteries
Fengliu Lou1, Haitao Zhou, Trung Dung Tran
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Sem Saelands vei 4, 7491 Trondheim (Norway), Fax: (+47)73595047 http://www.nt.ntnu.no/users/chen/index.htm.
Abstract:
Coaxial carbon/metal oxide/aligned carbon nanotube (ACNT) arrays over stainless-steel foil are reported as high-performance binder-free anodes for lithium ion batteries. The coaxial arrays were prepared by growth of ACNTs over stainless-steel foil followed by coating with metal oxide and carbon. The carbon/manganese oxide/ACNT arrays can deliver an initial capacity of 738 mAh g(-1) with 99.9 % capacity retention up to 100 cycles and a capacity of 374 mAh g(-1) at a high current density of 6000 mA g(-1). The external carbon layer was recognized as a key component for high performance, and the mechanism of performance enhancement was investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The layer increases rate capability by enhancing electrical conductivity and maintaining a low mass-transfer resistance and also improves cyclic stability by avoiding aggregation of metal-oxide particles and stabilizing the solid electrolyte interface. The resultant principle of rational electrode design was applied to an iron oxide-based system, and similar improvements were found. These coaxial nanotube arrays present a promising strategy for the rational design of high-performance binder-free anodes for lithium ion batteries.
