Performance of lithium-ion rechargeable batteries: graphite whisker/electrolyte/LiCoO2 rocking-chair system

A lithium-ion rechargeable battery based on carbon anode, a viable replacement for lithium metal anode, has been developed. Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are considered to have high capacity and high safety. For this reason, we have investigated rechargeable batteries with higher energy density, and studied host carbon materials for the anode, in particular. In this investigation, the vapour-grown carbon fibre was used as the anode material. This carbon fibre after graphitization showed high capacity (363 mAh/g carbon) and low potential (versus Li/Li+). It showed good stability during cycling, and is expected to be a suitable anode material in lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. Further, a coin-type cell was prepared with this carbon anode and LiCoO2 cathode, and the performance during galvanostatic charge/discharge cycling observed. This coin-type battery has a high energy density.