PEDOT assisted CNT self-supported electrodes for high energy and power density

Abstract Electrode architecture is the key to maximizing the utilization of the active material and consequently, maximize the energy and power density of lithium-ion batteries. Remarkably, the basic current collector supported composite electrode structure has changed little since these batteries were first introduced commercially in the early 1990’s. Here, we present a new approach that eliminates the current collector and produces self-supported electrodes. These are composed of a unique combination of highly conducting SWCNT, carbon coated or uncoated LiFePO4, and conducting polymer. The comparative study shows the conducting polymer to be a key component linking electronically the active material to the SWCNT scaffolding. Overall, the produced electrodes show high power performance at the electrode level of 30 kW/kg while still providing a capacity of 100 Wh/kg. The concept demonstrated here with LiFePO4 could easily be transferred to layered oxides improving even more the energy density of next generation Li-ion batteries.