A three-dimensional carbon nano-network for high performance lithium ion batteries. (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tian, Miao; Wang, Wei; Liu, Yang; Jungjohann, Katherine L.; Thomas Harris, C.; Lee, Yung-Cheng; Yang, Ronggui
• Is Part Of: Nano energy. Volume 11(2015:Jan.)
• Page Start: 500
• Page End: 509
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: Three-dimensional nano-network -- Carbon -- Li-ion battery -- Anode; Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanostructured materials -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Nanoscience; Nanostructured materials; Nanotechnology; Power resources -- Technological innovations; Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2014.11.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-2855

Abstract

Abstract: Three-dimensional (3D) network structure has been envisioned as a superior architecture for lithium ion battery (LIB) electrodes, which enhances both ion and electron transport to significantly improve battery performance. Herein, a 3D carbon nano-network is fabricated through chemical vapor deposition of carbon on a scalably manufactured 3D porous anodic alumina (PAA) template. As a demonstration on the applicability of 3D carbon nano-network for LIB electrodes, the low conductivity active material, TiO2, is then uniformly coated on the 3D carbon nano-network using atomic layer deposition. High power performance is demonstrated in the 3D C/TiO2 electrodes, where the parallel tubes and gaps in the 3D carbon nano-network facilitates fast Li ion transport. A large areal capacity of ~0.37 mAh·cm −2 is achieved due to the large TiO2 mass loading in the 60 µm-thick 3D C/TiO2 electrodes. At a test rate of C/5, the 3D C/TiO2 electrode with 18 nm-thick TiO2 delivers a high gravimetric capacity of ~240 mAh g −1, calculated with the mass of the whole electrode. A long cycle life of over 1000 cycles with a capacity retention of 91% is demonstrated at 1C. The effects of the electrical conductivity of carbon nano-network, ion diffusion, and the electrolyte permeability on the rate performance of these 3D C/TiO2 electrodes are systematically studied. Graphical abstract: A novel three-dimensional (3D) highly conductive carbon nano-network is fabricated.The 3D carbon nano-network enhances both Li ion and electron transport in electrodes.Large areal capacity, high gravimetric capacity, and long cycle life are demonstrated.