A free-standing Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2/MWCNT framework for high-energy lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Free-standing Li_1.2Mn_0.54Ni_0.13Co_0.13O₂/MWCNT (LLO/MWCNT) framework electrodes have been successfully fabricated for high energy density lithium-ion batteries. By constructing a 3D conductive network, the LLO/MWCNT cells exhibit superior electrochemical performances. Specifically, LLO/MWCNT cells achieve a high initial discharge capacity of 318.2 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.1 C (1 C = 250 mA g⁻¹) with a coulombic efficiency of 91.1%. After 200 cycles at 1 C, LLO/MWCNT cells can still deliver 209.2 mA h g⁻¹, corresponding to a capacity retention of 95.9%. Furthermore, LLO/MWCNT electrodes can still deliver a high discharge capacity of 121.6 mA h g⁻¹ after 500 cycles at 10 C. Compared with conventional electrodes, the free-standing LLO/MWCNT electrodes can yield up to 47% reduction in the total weight and the active materials of LLO/MWCNT electrodes have been raised 2 times. By combining the high capacity Li_1.2Mn_0.54Ni_0.13Co_0.13O₂ cathodes and the superiority of the free-standing structure, the energy density of lithium-ion batteries can be highly enhanced and this design holds great potential to be used with future electronic devices.