Carbon-nanofiber composite electrodes for thin and flexible lithium-ion batteries

Addition of vapor-grown carbon nanofiber (VGCF) into a LiCoO₂ composite electrode increases electrode’s conductivity and adhesion strength significantly. These increases are attributed to the uniform distribution of network-like VGCF of high conductivity; VGCF not only connects the surface of the active materials, its network penetrates into and connects each active material particle. VGCF composite electrode also improves the electrochemical performance of thin and flexible lithium-ion batteries such as discharge capacity at high current densities, cycle-life stability, and low-temperature (at −20 °C) discharge capacity. These improved electrochemical properties are attributed to the well-distributed network-like carbon nanofibers, VGCF, within the cathode. The addition of VGCF reduces the electron conducting resistance and decreases the diffusion path for lithium ions, hence increases the utilization of active materials during high-current discharge and low-temperature discharge. In addition, network-like VGCF forms a more uniform cathode structure so as to have a lower deterioration rate and correspondingly better life cycle stability.