Effect of conducting additives on the properties of composite cathodes for lithium-ion batteries

In an attempt to achieve lithium-ion batteries with high rate capability, the effect of conducting additives with various shapes and contents on the physical and electrochemical performances was evaluated. Although the density of the cathode decreased upon the addition of the additives, the electrical conductivity and electrochemical performance were greatly improved. The composite cathodes with well-dispersed multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) exhibited excellent high rate capabilities and cyclabilities. In the case of cathode with 8 wt.% of MWCNTs (low density-LD), the highest discharge capacity of 136 mAh/g was obtained at 5 C-rate and capacity retention of 97% for 50 cycles was observed at 1 C-rate of discharge. The cathode with a mixture of 2 wt.% of Super P and 4 wt.% of MWCNTs (LD) also exhibits improved cycle performances. The volume changes in the charge and discharge processes were successfully controlled by the bundles distributed between the host particles.