一种碳纳米管改性富锂锰基正极材料的策略

采用一种新策略对Li1.184[Ni0.15Mn0.516Co0.15]O2进行改性,即通过气流破碎、高压均质混合分散和喷雾干燥的方法得到与碳纳米管复合的富锂锰基正极材料(CNT@LMR)。使用扫描电子显微镜(SEM)、透射电子显微镜(TEM)、X射线衍射仪(XRD)和拉曼光谱(Raman)的方法对改性的材料进行了表征,发现碳纳米管导电网络均匀地分布在富锂锰基正极材料的表面,而且在材料内部的一次颗粒之间也有大量的碳纳米管存在。电化学性能测试表明,碳纳米管改性后的富锂锰基正极拥有更好的倍率性能和循环寿命。在5C倍率下经过改性的富锂锰基正极的放电比容量为141.4 mAh·g-1,远高于未改性的富锂锰基正极的放电比容量(76.6 mAh·g-1)和碳纳米管仅作为富锂锰基正极导电剂时的放电比容量(110.7 mAh·g-1)。在1C倍率下循环100次后,碳纳米管改性的富锂锰基正极的容量保持率在87.2%,高于富锂锰基正极(77.8%)。不同循环次数下的电化学阻抗谱表明,均匀分布在富锂锰基正极材料表面的碳纳米管网状结构有效地改善了电极/电极液的界面反应,抑制了电极固体电解质界面(SEI)膜的增厚和减缓了电极的极化。同时,材料内部的碳纳米管导电网络降低了一次颗粒间的内阻并加快了电极的电荷转移过程。     

纳米级碳导电剂的种类对licoo2电化学性能的影响

碳纳米管;锂离子电池;正极;倍率容量;导电剂     

Fabrication and properties of MgF<Subscript>2</Subscript> composite film modified with carbon nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were used to modify magnesium fluoride (MgF₂) film via the spin coating technique. Nanoparticles of MgF₂ were in situ synthesized on surfaces of CNTs resulted in the composites (MgF₂–CNTs) by means of sol–gel technique. The sizes of the MgF₂ nanoparticles in situ synthesized on CNTs surfaces could be modulated by processing the MgF₂ sol–gel in different ways. The MgF₂–CNTs as prepared was mixed with MgF₂ sol to fabricate composite films (MgF₂–CNTs/MgF₂). Instead of adding directly CNTs, adding MgF₂–CNTs, into MgF₂ sol could effectively improve the dispersion of CNTs, avoid emergence of carbon clusters in the compsite film, decrease surface roughness of the film, and enhance the interaction between the CNTs and MgF₂ matrix. In the paper, the MgF₂ nanoparticles were in situ synthesized on the surfaces of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) respectively to prepare MgF₂–SWCNTs/MgF₂ and MgF₂–MWCNTs/MgF₂ composite films. Experimental results showed that the transparency of the MgF₂–SWCNTs/MgF₂ composite film was higher than that of the MgF₂–MWCNTs/MgF₂ film in the range of ultraviolet, visible and near-infrared wavelengths. The results showed SWCNTS could be an ideal reinforcement of MgF₂ films to get good toughness, and retain its optical transmittance at the same time.     

Electroless Deposition of Thionin onto Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with Single Wall and Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes: Improvement of the Electrochemical Reversibility and Stability

A simple procedure was developed to prepare a glassy carbon electrode modified with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and thionin. Abrasive immobilization of CNTs on a GC electrode was achieved by gently rubbing the electrode surface on a filter paper supporting carbon nanotubes, then immersing the GC/CNTs‐modified electrode into a thionin solution (electroless deposition) for a short period of time (5–50 s for MWCNTs and 5–120 s for SWCNTs ). Cyclic voltammograms of the resulting modified electrode show stable and a well defined redox couple with surface confined characteristic at wide pH range 2–12. The electrochemical reversibility and stability of modified electrode prepared with incorporation of thionin into CNTs film was compared with usual methods for attachment of thionin to electrode surfaces such as electropolymerization and adsorption on the surface of preanodized electrodes. The formal potential of redox couple (E°′) shifts linearly toward the negative direction with increasing solution pH. The surface coverage of thionin immobilized on CNTs glassy carbon electrode was approximately 1.95×10^?10 mol cm^?2 and 3.2×10^?10 mol cm^?2 for MWCNTs and SWCNTs, respectively. The transfer coefficient (α) was calculated to be 0.3 and 0.35 and heterogeneous electron transfer rate constants (K_s) were 65 s^?1 and 55 s^?1 for MWCNTs/thionin and SWCNTs/thionin‐modified GC electrodes, respectively. The results clearly show a great facilitation of the electron transfer between thionin and CNTs adsorbed on the electrode surface. Excellent electrochemical reversibility of redox couple, high stability, technically simple and possibility of preparation at short period of time are of great advantages of this procedure for modification of electrodes.     

Effect of conducting additives on the properties of composite cathodes for lithium-ion batteries

In an attempt to achieve lithium-ion batteries with high rate capability, the effect of conducting additives with various shapes and contents on the physical and electrochemical performances was evaluated. Although the density of the cathode decreased upon the addition of the additives, the electrical conductivity and electrochemical performance were greatly improved. The composite cathodes with well-dispersed multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) exhibited excellent high rate capabilities and cyclabilities. In the case of cathode with 8 wt.% of MWCNTs (low density—LD), the highest discharge capacity of 136 mAh/g was obtained at 5 C-rate and capacity retention of 97% for 50 cycles was observed at 1 C-rate of discharge. The cathode with a mixture of 2 wt.% of Super P and 4 wt.% of MWCNTs (LD) also exhibits improved cycle performances. The volume changes in the charge and discharge processes were successfully controlled by the bundles distributed between the host particles.     

Design of a Prussian Blue Analogue/Carbon Nanotube Thin‐Film Nanocomposite: Tailored Precursor Preparation,Synthesis, Characterization,and Application

Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) filled with different species of cobalt (metallic cobalt, cobalt oxide) were synthesized by a chemical vapor deposition method through cobaltocene pyrolysis. A systematic study was performed to correlate different experimental conditions with the structure and characteristics of the obtained material. Thin films of Co‐filled CNTs were deposited over conductive substrates through a liquid–liquid interfacial method and were used for cobalt hexacyanoferrate (CoHCFe) electrodeposition by an innovative route in which the Co species encapsulated in the CNTs were employed as reactants. The CNT/CoHCFe films were characterized by different spectroscopic, microscopic, and electrochemical techniques and presented high electrochemical stability in different media. The nanocomposites were applied as both an electrochemical sensor to H₂O₂ and a cathode for ion batteries and showed limits of detection at approximately 3.7 nmol L ^?1 and a capacity of 130 mAh g^?1 at a current density of 5 A g^?1.     

Carbon Nanotubes Act as Conductive Additives in the cathode of Lithium Ion Batteries

The layered compounds LiCoO2, LiNiO2 and spinel compound LiMn2O4 have served as very effective cathode active materials in lithium ion rechargeable batteries. Generally, their high conductive resistance easily results in a serious polarization and poor utilization of active materials.In order to make full use of the active materials and increase the capacity, the charge-discharge rate and the cycle life of lithium ion batteries, conductive additives are often added into the above cathode materials to form a conductive network. Carbon materials, such as carbon black, graphite powders and chemical vapor deposit carbon fibers have been widely used as conductive additives owing to their high electrical conductivity and chemical inertness. To effectively utilize the active materials, the contents of these carbon additives in the cathode often reach up to 10～20wt%. This leads to a great need for binder, for example, 10wt% or more. It follows therefore a considerable increase in volume of the lithium batteries and lower energy density because of the large amount of carbon additives and binder in the cathode.By substituting carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for carbon black, graphite powders or chemical vapor deposit carbon fibers, much conductive additives and binder are saved, and the cathode with only 3～5wt% of conductive additives CNTs shows excellent rate capacity. At the discharge rate 0.5C,2.0C and 3.0C, the LiCoO2 cathode with CNTs exhibits discharge capacity up to 134mAh/g, 126 and 120mAh/g, respectively. The explanation is given as follows. Firstly, their microstructure and graphitic crystallinity are very important for electron transport. CNTs employed in the experiments comprise an array of complete graphite sheets seamlessly wrapped into cylindrical tubes which are concentrically nested like the rings of a tree trunk. Thus, the process of -electrons transport occurs in graphite sheet in super-conjugative manner when they move from one end to the other end in CNTs. Apparently, the CNTs' microstructure does good to electron transport. On the other hand,being highly graphitic (concluded from XRD patterns), CNTs also displays high electron conductivity. Secondly, being smaller in diameter, CNTs possess much larger number of primary particles in unit mass than other carbon materials. Hence, it results in a lower percolation threshold in the case of CNTs. Finally, owing to their high surface energy, CNTs fallen into nano-materials tend to aggregate and then form firm webs effectively entrapping LiCoO2 particles during the preparation of the cathode to guarantee their close contact with the active materials.Accordingly, effective electron channels are provided to lessen the polarization loss.     

Effects of current densities on the formation of LiCoO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/graphite lithium ion battery

The activation characteristics and the effects of current densities on the formation of a separate LiCoO₂ and graphite electrode were investigated and the behavior also was compared with that of the full LiCoO₂/graphite batteries using various electrochemical techniques. The results showed that the formation current densities obviously influenced the electrochemical impedance spectrum of Li/graphite, LiCoO₂/Li, and LiCoO₂/graphite cells. The electrolyte was reduced on the surface of graphite anode between 2.5 and 3.6 V to form a preliminary solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film of anode during the formation of the LiCoO₂/graphite batteries. The electrolyte was oxidized from 3.95 V vs Li⁺/Li on the surface of LiCoO₂ to form a SEI film of cathode. A highly conducting SEI film could be formed gradually on the surface of graphite anode, whereas the SEI film of LiCoO₂ cathode had high resistance. The LiCoO₂ cathode could be activated completely at the first cycle, while the activation of the graphite anode needed several cycles. The columbic efficiency of the first cycle increased, but that of the second decreased with the increase in the formation current of LiCoO₂/graphite batteries. The formation current influenced the cycling performance of batteries, especially the high-temperature cycling performance. Therefore, the batteries should be activated with proper current densities to ensure an excellent formation of SEI film on the anode surface.     

A novel network composite cathode of LiFePO4/multiwalled carbon nanotubes with high rate capability for lithium ion batteries

A novel network composite cathode was prepared by mixing LiFePO₄ particles with multiwalled carbon nanotubes for high rate capability. LiFePO₄ particles were connected by multiwalled carbon nanotubes to form a three-dimensional network wiring. The web structure can improve electron transport and electrochemical activity effectively. The initial discharge capacity was improved to be 155 mA h/g at C/10 rate (0.05 mA/cm²) and 146 mA h/g at 1C rate. The comparative investigation on MWCNTs and acetylene black as a conducting additive in LiFePO₄ proved that MWCNTs addition was an effective way to increase rate capability and cycle efficiency.     

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)-bridged architecture of ternary Bi2O3/MWCNTs/Cu microstructure composite with high catalytic performance via two-step self-assembly

Binary and ternary microstructure composites based on CNTs have potential applications in many technological fields. In our works, we realized MWCNTs-bridged architecture of ternary Bi₂O₃/MWCNTs/Cu microstructure composite by two-step self-assembly. In order to verify its workability, we investigated catalytic performances of a series of additives for ammonium perchlorate (AP) thermal decomposition. The results showed that catalytic performance of Bi₂O₃/MWCNTs/Cu composite was better than those of the other additives, and the peak temperature for high-temperature AP decomposition reduced 151.6 °C; while no low-temperature AP decomposition was observed. MWCNTs have two crucial roles in catalytic enhancement on AP thermal decomposition: firstly, being to act as a supporter which can effectively disperse copper and Bi₂O₃ particles; secondly, being to act as a bridge, excited electrons from semiconductor can conduct and store on the surfaces of MWCNTs, which is beneficial for AP thermal decomposition. Therefore, MWCNTs-bridged architecture can synergistically enhance catalytic effect of copper and Bi₂O₃.     

Structural and electrochemical properties of SnO2/nanocarbon families as lithium-ion battery anodes

Hybrid SnO₂/nanocarbon families (graphene nanosheets (GNSs), single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and carbon nanospheres (CNSs)) have been synthesized by a similar wet chemical method. SnO₂ nanoparticles are uniformly loaded on the surface of the nanocarbon families. As lithium battery anodes, their electrochemical properties of the reaction of lithium are investigated under the same conditions. To compare between them, SnO₂/GNSs have the largest capacity; SnO₂/GNSs and SnO₂/SWCNTs have high cyclability; and SnO₂/MWCNTs can maintain the capacity at high current density. Such behaviors are ascribed to their surface-to-volume ratio, structure flexibility, ion mobility and electron conductivity. The present results are the bases for their practical applications in lithium-ion battery anodes.     

The use of methylcellulose for the synthesis of Li<Subscript>2</Subscript>FeSiO<Subscript>4</Subscript>/C composites

The key parameters related to cathode materials for commercial use are a high specific capacity, good cycling stability, capacity retention at high current rates, as well as the simplicity of the synthesis process. This study presents a facile synthesis of a composite cathode material, Li₂FeSiO₄ with carbon, under extreme conditions: rapid heating, short dwell at 750 °C and subsequent quenching. The water-soluble polymer methylcellulose was used both as an excellent dispersing agent and a carbon source that pyrolytically degrades to carbon, thereby enabling the homogeneous deployment of the precursor compounds and the control of the Li₂FeSiO₄ particle growth from the earliest stage of processing. X-ray powder diffraction reveals the formation of Li₂FeSiO₄ nanocrystallites with a monoclinic structure in the P2₁/n space group (#14). The composite’s electrochemical performance as a cathode material in Li-ion batteries was examined. The influence of the amount of methylcellulose on the microstructural, morphological, conductive, and electrochemical properties of the obtained powders has been discussed. It has been shown that the overall electrochemical performance is improved with an increase of carbon content, through both the decrease of the mean particle diameter and the increase of electrical conductivity.     

Porous carbon nanotubes improved sulfur composite cathode for lithium-sulfur battery

Porous multi-walled carbon nanotubes (PCNTs) with multiple mesopores structure are synthesized through activation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by potassium hydroxide. The potassium hydroxide activation process results in a significantly enhanced specific surface area with numerous small pores. The as-obtained PCNTs are employed as the conductive matrix for sulfur in the sulfur cathode. Compared with the composite sulfur cathode based on the original MWCNTs, the sulfur-PCNTs cathode shows a significantly improved cycle performance and columbic efficiency. The reversible capacity is 530 mAh?g^?1 and columbic efficiency is 90 % after 100 cycles at a current density of 100 mA?g^?1. The improvement in the electrochemical performance for S-PCNT is mainly attributed to the enlarged surface area and the porous structure of the unique mesopores carbon nanotube host, which cannot only facilitate transport of electrons and Li⁺ ions, but also trap polysulfides, retard the shuttle effect during charge/discharge process.     

Carbon nanotubes as a conductive additive in LiFePO<Subscript>4</Subscript> cathode material for lithium-ion batteries

The electrochemical properties and cyclic performances of commercial LiFePO₄ cathode material with different ratio of carbon black (CB) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as conductive material were tested in this study. Compared with other samples, the sample with 3 wt % CNTs exhibited the best electro-chemical and cyclic performances at various discharging rate at room temperature; and adhesion strength of electrode was improved by adding CNTs. The enhanced electrode performance may due to the unique natures of CNTs and the contact area of CNTs with active material or current collector.     

A novel carbon-coated LiCoO2 as cathode material for lithium ion battery

Using a commercially available LiCoO₂ as starting material, a surface-modified cathode material was obtained by coating it with a nano layer of amorphous carbon. The carbon-coated LiCoO₂ was characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electronic microscopy, transmission electronic microscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and measurement of charge/discharge behavior. Results show that the carbon-coated LiCoO₂ displays marked lower charge transfer resistance, higher lithium ion diffusion coefficient and much better rate capability than the original LiCoO₂. It also indicates promising application of lithium ion batteries in the areas requiring charge and discharge at high rate.     

Synthesis and characterization of ferromagnetic Fe3C/C composite nanoparticles as a catalyst for carbon nanotube growth

Polystyrene template microspheres of narrow size distribution were prepared by dispersion polymerization of styrene in a mixture of ethanol and 2-methoxy ethanol. These template particles dispersed in aqueous solution have been used for the entrapment of ferrocene by a swelling process of methylene chloride emulsion droplets containing ferrocene within these particles, followed by evaporation of methylene chloride. The effects of CH₂Cl₂ volume and the [CH₂Cl₂]/[FeC₁₀H₁₀] (w/w) ratio on the size and size distribution of the swollen template particles were elucidated. Air-stable Fe₃C nanoparticles embedded in amorphous carbon matrix (Fe₃C/C) have been prepared by thermal decomposition of the ferrocene-swollen template polystyrene particles at 500 °C for 2 h in a sealed cell. Decomposition of these swollen template particles for 2 h at higher temperatures led to the formation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in addition to the Fe₃C/C composite nanoparticles. The yield of the CNTs increased as the annealing temperature was raised. An opposite behavior was observed for the diameter of the formed CNTs. The size and size distribution, crystallinity, and magnetic properties of the different Fe₃C/C composite nanoparticles have also been controlled by the annealing temperature.     

四氧化三铁/单壁碳纳米管磁性复合纳米粒子分散固相微萃取-高效液相色谱法测定牛奶中的香精添加剂

通过化学键合的方法制备单壁碳纳米管包覆的四氧化三铁（Fe₃O₄/CNTs）磁性复合纳米粒子。首先用水热法合成磁性Fe₃O₄纳米粒子,并进行硅烷氨基化处理,羧基化的单壁碳纳米管通过1-（3-二甲基氨基丙基）-3-乙基碳二亚胺（EDC）和N-羟基琥珀酰亚胺（NHS）交联剂反应修饰到Fe₃O₄纳米颗粒表面。合成的Fe₃O₄/CNTs复合纳米粒子具有很高的磁响应度和很好的分散能力,是一种很好的分散固相萃取剂。本研究将合成的Fe₃O₄/CNTs纳米粒子用于分散固相微萃取富集牛奶中的香精添加剂,并与高效液相色谱分析联用,实现了香兰素和乙基香兰素的快速高效富集和高灵敏度检测,两者的检出限达10 μg/L,回收率大于92%。本研究表明,合成的Fe₃O₄/CNTs磁性复合粒子是一种很好的奶制品中香兰素添加剂的样品前处理富集材料。     

新合成方法制备的LiCoO2正极材料的结构和电化学性能研究

采用新合成方法制备了锂离子二次电池正极材料LiCoO₂。通过ICP-AES、XRD、SEM、电化学方法等测试分析了所合成材料的物理性质和电化学性能，并与商品LiCoO₂材料作了对比研究。同时分别以国产MCMB和石墨作负极活性物质、合成的LiCoO₂作正极活性物质做成锂离子电池，对其电化学性能进行了测试。实验结果表明，所合成的LiCoO₂材料的电化学性能优于其它两种商品LiCoO₂材料，其初始放电容量为155.0 mAh·g^-1，50次循环后的容量保持率达95.3%，而且以此为正极的锂离子电池也表现出优良的电化学性能。计时电位分析结果还表明，合成的材料在充放电循环过程中发生了三次相转变过程，但相变过程具有良好的可逆性。     

Cyclic voltammetric investigation of Eu<Superscript>3+</Superscript> on a MWCNTs/SDS-modified glassy carbon (GC) electrode

Electrochemical reduction behavior of Eu³⁺ on a multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/sodium lauryl sulfate (SDS) (MWCNTs/SDS)-modified glassy carbon (GC) electrode was investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV). Results indicated that the electrochemical reduction process of Eu³⁺ at the MWCNTs/SDS-modified GC electrode is a quasi-reversible and diffusion-controlled process. The value of standard rate constant (k _s) at the MWCNTs/SDS-modified GC electrode was estimated to 1.96 × 10⁻² cm s⁻¹. CV studies showed that the electrochemical response of Eu³⁺ was directly related to the ratio of MWCNTs to SDS, and the tube diameter of MWCNTs had a slight influence on the electrochemical behavior of Eu³⁺, whereas the tube length. of MWCNTs had a strong influence. CVs results also proved that s-MWCNTs (with shorter tube length)-modified GC electrode showed better response to the electrochemical reaction of Eu³⁺.     

Saqima-like Co<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>/CNTs secondary microstructures with ultrahigh initial Coulombic efficiency as an anode for lithium ion batteries

In this work, Co₃O₄/CNTs composite with Saqima-like secondary microstructure has been synthesized by heat treatment of CoC₂O₄/CNTs precursors being obtained through ultrasonication-assisted precipitation method. Through SEM, in the composites, the microstructures are composed of tightly connected nanoparticles (30–50 nm), and abundant spaces exist among nanoparticles, which can relieve the strain produced by volume effect to ensure the stability of integral structure during cycles; CNTs are dispersed in microstructures and bridge between microstructures, which can form a long-range conductive network in the composite. The electrochemical test indicates that the composite shows ultrahigh initial coulombic efficiency (ICE) of 85%, as well as excellent rate performance and cyclic stability. The high ICE is mainly ascribed to the formation of a stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film only on the outer surface of microstructures. This work offers an available and general way to improve the ICE of transitional metal oxide as an anode material for LIB.