Carbon nanotube–metal oxide composite electrodes for secondary lithium-based batteries

Preparation and electrochemical evaluation of battery cathodes made from carbon nanotube substrates and lithium trivanadate (LiV3O8) are reported in this study. Our carbon nanotube substrate–LiV3O8 (CNT-SI) cathodes displayed good rate capability (>140 mAh/g on 1C discharge) and improved capacity retention (>280 mAh/g after 30 cycles at C/20) when utilized in lithium-based batteries. The use of the CNT-SI composite where the electrodes are comprised of a carbon nanotube substrate and active material with no addition of binder, additional carbon additives, and without a foil backing provides the opportunity for a 25% increase in the percentage of active mass and a 36% reduction in the total electrode mass. These benefits demonstrate that considering electrode configuration as well as active material is a key strategic approach to enhance battery energy density.