Chemical passivation of lithiated graphitized mesocarbon fibers

In order to improve the Faraday yield during the first reduction/oxidation cycle of graphitized mesocarbon fibers (GMCFs) used as the negative electrodes for lithium-ion batteries, chemical lithiation was performed before formation of the electrode. Organic solutions of butyllithium, lithium naphtalenide or molten lithium at 220 °C were used as the lithiation reactives. The effect of chemical lithiation on the morphology and structure of GMCFs was examined by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis and Raman spectroscopy. The electrochemical study showed the effectiveness of these treatments on the enhancement of the Faraday yield and the reversible capacity of GMCFs.