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Effect of Sorted Metallic and Semiconducting Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes on LiFePO4 Cathode Material for Lithium Ion Batteries

Wednesday, 4 October 2017
Prince George's Exhibit Hall D/E (Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center)
A. A. Adepoju, T. A. Searles (Howard University), J. A. Fagan (National Institute of Standards and Technology), and Q. L. Williams (Howard University)
Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) is a promising cathode material for Lithium-ion batteries. LFP has many unique properties including great thermal stability, high energy density, and excellent cycle life. However, one disadvantage to LFP is its poor electrical conductivity which leads to low rate capability (C-rate). To overcome this disadvantage, we have incorporated single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) into the electrodes of LFP batteries. SWCNTs have emerged as one of the leading additives for LFP batteries due to their ability to enhance electrode conductivity and mechanical stability. The incorporation of SWCNTs create a better electrical percolation network thereby enhancing the C-rate. To this end, LFP coin-cell batteries were fabricated with the addition of sorted metallic and semiconducting SWCNTs. C-rate and cycle stability measurements were made for comparison studies. Test showed that LFP with SWCNTs incorporated into the cathode material led to a modest improvement to the C-rate while good cycle stability was maintained.