Facile Fabrication of CFx-Pt Composites as a High-Performance Cathode for Primary Lithium Batteries

In the present work, graphite fluoride-platinum(CFx-Pt) composites synthesized via a novel and simple in situ method are discussed as very promising cathodes for primary lithium-ion batteries. The influence of platinum on the performance of CFx was investigated through X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and electrochemical measurements. We found that the emergence of semi-ionic C-F bonds and the uniform dispersion of platinum on the surface of CFx during the modification process are the most important factors for improving the electrochemical performance of the cathode material. With the conductivity provided by the platinum, the CFx-Pt cathode achieved a higher discharge capacity and a higher rate capability compared with those of the pristine CFx cathode; the CFx-Pt cathode exhibited a discharge capacity of 600 mAh g-1, an excellent power density of 8692 W kg-1 at a current density of 5 C, and a plateau of 2.0 V. More importantly, as a kind of lubricant, CFx makes it difficult to uniformly disperse modifying materials across its surface. However, our method opens a new avenue for the better dispersion of modifying materials on the surface of CFx.