Fabrication technology of self-standing binder free LiMn2O4/MWCNT electrode by vacuum filtration method Print

Fabrication technology of self-standing binder free LiMn2O4/MWCNT electrode by vacuum filtration method

Constantin Bubulinca*

National Research and Development Institute for Cryogenics and Isotopic Technologies - ICSI Rm. Valcea, Uzinei Street no. 4, P.O. Box Râureni 7, 240050, Râmnicu Vâlcea, Romania

abstract

This paper describes fabrication technology of highly conductive lithium manganese oxide and multiwall carbon nanotubes (LiMn2O4/MWCNT) binder free self-standing electrode by vacuum filtration method. Active material composed by LiMn2O4 (LMO) has been modified using mechanochemistry (ball milling method), dispersed and then filtrated together with supporting layer based on carbon nanotubes (CNT) to obtain flexible cathode. Evolution of particles size after fragmentation procedure is revealed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and laser diffraction method. The material didn’t suffer any changes after 60 minutes of grinding. Morphology of surface is revealed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) endowed with an EDX detector. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy shows effective charge transport and small resistance during intercalation/deintercalation of Li ions. Likewise, cyclic voltammetry shows the presence of two oxidation/reduction peaks, stability of material and a high reversibility with about 78 mAh/g after first cycle of charging-discharging test.

Keywords: Li-ion battery, vacuum filtration method, self-standing cathode, flexible electrode