Improvement of the anode performance of graphite particles through surface modification in RF thermal plasma

• Published in: Thin solid films 2004-06, Vol.457 (1), p.209-216
• Main Authors: Tanaka, H., Osawa, T., Moriyoshi, Y., Kurihara, M., Maruyama, S., Ishigaki, T.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adsorption and desorption kinetics; evaporation and condensation; Applied sciences; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells; Electrochemical property; Exact sciences and technology; Mesocarbon microbeads (MCMB); Physics; Solid-fluid interfaces; Surfaces and interfaces; thin films and whiskers (structure and nonelectronic properties); Thermal plasma treatment; Thermal stability
• ISSN: 0040-6090; 1879-2731
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tsf.2003.12.024

Mesocarbon microbeads (MCMB) powders, which are known to be highly crystallized carbon materials and have a mean particle size of 11 μm, were treated in RF thermal plasma. Through the plasma treatment, the surface morphology, structure, and chemical composition of the powder were modified. The plasma-induced modification made the surface of MCMB particles disordered, and gave rise to an improvement in the thermal stability and electrochemical properties of the powders, such as the discharge capacity and first charge/discharge efficiency. It also made the powders suitable for further use as an anode in lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. Powders obtained without air exposure showed further improvement in anode performance.