Block copolymer-templated nanocomposite electrodes for rechargeable lithium batteries

• Published in: Journal of the Electrochemical Society 2002-12, Vol.149 (12), p.A1610-A1615
• Main Authors: MUI, S. C, TRAPA, P. E, SADOWAY, D. R, HUANG, B, SOO, P. P, LOZOW, M. I, WANG, T. C, COHEN, R. E, MANSOUR, A. N, MUKERJEE, S, MAYES, A. M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells; Exact sciences and technology
• ISSN: 0013-4651; 1945-7111
• DOI: 10.1149/1.1518482

A self-organizing, nanocomposite electrode (SONE) system was developed as a model lithium alloy-based anode for rechargeable lithium batteries. In situ X-ray adsorption spectroscopy, galvanostatic testing, cyclic voltammetry, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy were used to analyze the electrode, which was fabricated from a polyethylene oxide-based block copolymer, single-walled carbon nanotubes, and gold salt. Processing involved a single mixing step without need of a reducing agent. It was found that thermodynamic self-assembly of the block copolymer could provide a template for incorporation of both the gold salt and nanotubes. Electrochemical testing and subsequent analysis showed that owing to the small particle size and the surrounding block copolymer matrix, the SONE system could cycle over 600 cycles with rates varying between C/1.8 and 8.8C with little evidence of decrepitation or coarsening.