Resorcinol/formaldehyde resin-derived carbon conductive network for superior fluorinated graphite based lithium primary batteries.

The high energy density of fluorinated graphite (CF x) based lithium primary battery has aroused tremendous attention. However, the nonconductive CF x always induces high interface impedance and low power density. Herein, the carbon conductive network is generated by thermal treatment of resorcinol/formaldehyde (RF) resin on CF x and RF resin spheres (RF RSs), a conductive carbon layer coats on CF x surface, the electrical conductivity of CF x is improved. The oxygen functional groups in incomplete carbonized RF RSs also dedicate to the electrochemical performance of CF x. When different mass ratios of CF x /RF RSs are employed, the cathodes exhibit improved rate performance and voltage plateaus, and the initial voltage delays observed in CF x are significantly reduced. Notably, CF x /RF RSs−13 cathode delivers an impressive discharge capacity of 843.8 mAh g−1 with a voltage plateau of 2.68 V at 10 mA g−1. This leads to the maximum energy density of 2174.9 Wh kg−1 and a peak power density of 18600 W kg−1. Additionally, CF x /RF RSs−13 cathode demonstrates commendable electrochemical stability across a wide temperature spectrum (−20–70 °C). Given these superior electrochemical attributes, the CF x /RF RSs combination holds significant promise for deployment in high-power devices and for standard operations under extreme temperature conditions. • Carbon conductive network is induced by heat treatment of RF resin on CF x and RF RSs. • Oxygen functional groups in RF RSs also make for electrochemical performance of CF x. • CF x /RF RSs−13 gives peak energy and power densities of 2174.9 Wh kg−1, 18600 W kg−1. • CF x /RF RSs−13 demonstrates commendable electrochemical stability from −20 to 70 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]