Role of conductive carbons in lithium-ion batteries: a spectroscopic investigation.

• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2047/D20248855

Increasing the energy density of lithium-ion battery systems is at the forefront of the technology improvements needed in both automotive and portable electronics applications. Operation of lithium-ion cathodes at higher positive potentials is one avenue to achieve higher energy density. Increasing the cathode operating potential is challenging due to the detrimental effects higher voltages have on system durability and cycling performance. Conductive additives play an important role in performance of the lithium-ion cathode. Conductive carbon materials are responsible for providing sufficient electrical conductivity to the electrochemically active material in the cathode. Conductive carbon black also minimizes the heat generation within the cell, which reduces detrimental effects on electrolyte stability at increased electrode potential. Unfortunately, the high surface area and surface chemistry of conductive carbon black contributes to the degradation of the electrolyte in the battery cell. High energy density lithium-ion batteries require more stable conductive additives to achieve the safety and longevity necessary for use in automobiles and portable electronics.