Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Anode in Lithium-Ion Battery with LiCoO2, Li[Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3]O2, and LiFe1/4Mn1/2Co1/4PO4 Cathodes

Abstract

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are studied for the first time as the anode in lithium-ion batteries using LiCoO2, Li[Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3]O2, and LiFe1/4Mn1/2Co1/4PO4 cathodes. The anode material has a partially graphitic structure and nanotube morphology, which ensure stable cycling, Coulombic efficiency exceeding 99% as well as remarkable rate-capability in lithium half-cell, and suggest the compatibility for full-cell application. The performance of each lithium-ion array appears strongly related to the different structural, morphological and electrochemical features of the positive electrodes. The study in full-cell of the MWCNTs anode, to date mostly investigated in lithium half-cell, is therefore performed under various conditions. The MWCNTs/Li[Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3]O2 combination reveals promising behavior in terms of cycling stability, reversible capacity and Coulombic efficiency, which well demonstrates the potential suitability of MWCNTs as anodes in lithium-ion cell.