Nanotubes As Cathode Materials for High Energy Density Li-Ion Batteries

It is proposed to establish the technical feasibility of using carbon nanotubes as a novel anion intercalating cathode materials for lithium-ion battery. The proposed concept will result in a novel lithium-ion battery of low cost, high energy, high power, long cycle life and safe for portable electronics and EV applications. The proposed efforts will address the synthesis of controlled structure nanotubes, purification, and electrochemical characterization. A modified electrolyte with low anion radii will also be investigated. Preliminary data indicated that the new battery has exceptionally high open circuit voltage of 5V, average discharge voltage at 4.5V with flat discharge plateau, and potentially with double the energy density of state-of-the-art commercially available batteries. Phase I effort will focus on the synthesis and purification of nanostructured carbon Nanotubes, processing nanostructured electrodes and electrochemical testing using full cells design.