Composite Nanoscale Cathodes for Li-ion Batteries

This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I Project develos an improved method for producing composite cathodes with nanoscale structures for lithium ion batteries. Composite cathodes combine electronic and ionic pathways in a three dimensional structure which have been shown in many electrochemical systems to minimize transport resistances while retaining high capacity. Improved llithium ion and increased cycling may be obtained by controlling the placement of electrode constituents throughout the nanoscale structure.Specifically, pulse electrodeposition processingmay be used to fabricate electrodes by selectively placing LiMn2O4, carbon, and PTFE in strategic locagtions and in the optimal nanoscale form throughout a substrate. Improved ionic and electrical connections between particles are obtained and remain connected upon cyclilng. Previous work at PSI has demonstrated the use of pulse electrodeposition technology to fabricate high-utilization composite electrodes for fuel cell application. The proposed process combines low coast LiMn2O4 with an inexpensive fabrication process. Exceptional process control is also foreseen in the ethod since current (or potential) is used to control and monitor the deposition process.