Graphite As an Anode Material for Li-Ion Batteries

(Graphite As an Anode Material for Li-Ion Batteries)

Graphite has been the anode material of choice since the birth of lithium-ion batteries, offering an incomparable balance of relatively low cost and abundance, high energy density and power density, long cycle life and fast charging capability. Its success has given rise to battery cell companies who have sought to improve performance by altering cathode chemistries, trying new binders and experimenting with silicon (Si) anodes, but it has been difficult to achieve a significant improvement in energy density due to volume changes and the limited availability of Si.

However, the latest results of a global team of researchers has pushed graphite to a new level of performance. The research team optimized the O content and surface coating of synthetic graphite (GLG) through controlled processes, resulting in a product with significantly higher capacity and coulombic efficiency than conventional graphite at 2 V.

The graphitic carbon in GLG is characterized by a well-defined lattice structure. This ensures that Li ions are quickly absorbed and dissociated at low potential, leading to high gravimetric capacity and coulombic efficiency. The GLG structure was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, indicating the presence of uniformly distributed oxygen throughout the material.

The researchers were also able to optimize the anode material by increasing the thickness of the copper foil used to make contact with the GLG. This increases the contact area of the anode and allows for faster and more efficient charge-discharge cycles by forcing the lithium atoms to find their place in the lattice structure. The improved performance has the potential to dramatically increase the energy density of electric vehicles, smartphones and other battery powered devices.

(Graphite As an Anode Material for Li-Ion Batteries)