Preparation of Cu coating on graphite electrode foil and its suppressive effect on PC decomposition

Cu-coated graphite electrode foil was prepared by an improved electroless plating method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis were used to study the surface morphology and composition of Cu-coated graphite electrode foil. Tests of discharge and charge and cyclic voltammograms suggest that the decomposition of propylene carbonate and exfoliation of graphite are greatly suppressed, and lithium ions can reversibly intercalate into and de-intercalate from the Cu-coated graphite electrode. Results from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy show that the Cu-coated graphite electrode has lower charge-transfer resistance and higher diffusion coefficient of lithium ions in comparison with the original graphite.