Dry spun 3D woven carbon nanotube anode electrode for Li-lon batteries.

ABSTRACT

Although carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have extraordinary mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties, application of CNTs remains limited due to their unique nano-sized tubular forms. CNT electrodes have relatively high sheet resistance, which does not meet the industrial requirements of various electrode materials. Thus, there are still challenges for improving the performance of CNTs in real applications, particularly in terms of satisfying industrial requirements. In this study, to utilize CNTs in bulk scale electrode applications, we developed a dry spinning technique. The dry spinning technique is a solid state fiber spinning technique that provides an adjustable aligned structure. The dry spinning approach also offers a facile and inexpensive fabrication process, factors which are favorable for industrial scalability for fabricating electrodes. We demonstrate a multilayer stacking process for enhancing the performance for Li-ion batteries. Multi-layer CNT textiles have low sheet resistance and a 3D woven structure provides high surface area. The fabricated 3D woven structured electrode delivers a higher reversible capacity of more than 400 mA hr/g with high cycle stabilities.