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Hierarchically structured nanocarbon electrodes for flexible solid lithium batteries

Authors :
Wei, Di
Hiralal, Pritesh
Wang, Haolan
Emrah Unalan, Husnu
Rouvala, Markku
Alexandrou, Ioannis
Andrew, Piers
Ryhänen, Tapani
Amaratunga, Gehan A.J.
Source :
Nano Energy; September 2013, Vol. 2 Issue: 5 p1054-1062, 9p
Publication Year :
2013

Abstract

The ever increasing demand for storage of electrical energy in portable electronic devices and electric vehicles is driving technological improvements in rechargeable batteries. Lithium (Li) batteries have many advantages over other rechargeable battery technologies, including high specific energy and energy density, operation over a wide range of temperatures (−40 to 70°C) and a low self-discharge rate, which translates into a long shelf-life (∼10 years) [1]. However, upon release of the first generation of rechargeable Li batteries, explosions related to the shorting of the circuit through Li dendrites bridging the anode and cathode were observed. As a result, Li metal batteries today are generally relegated to non-rechargeable primary battery applications, because the dendritic growth of Li is associated with the charging and discharging process. However, there still remain significant advantages in realizing rechargeable secondary batteries based on Li metal anodes because they possess superior electrical conductivity, higher specific energy and lower heat generation due to lower internal resistance. One of the most practical solutions is to use a solid polymer electrolyte to act as a physical barrier against dendrite growth. This may enable the use of Li metal once again in rechargeable secondary batteries [2]. Here we report a flexible and solid Li battery using a polymer electrolyte with a hierarchical and highly porous nanocarbon electrode comprising aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon nanohorns (CNHs). Electrodes with high specific surface area are realized through the combination of CNHs with CNTs and provide a significant performance enhancement to the solid Li battery performance.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
22112855
Volume :
2
Issue :
5
Database :
Supplemental Index
Journal :
Nano Energy
Publication Type :
Periodical
Accession number :
ejs31263919
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nanoen.2013.04.004