Electrophoretic fabrication of LiCoO2 positive electrodes for rechargeable lithium batteries

LiCoO2 composite electrodes for rechargeable lithium batteries were fabricated by an electrophoretic deposition (EPD) method. LiCoO2 oxide particles were deposited on an Al current collector with appropriate amounts of Ketjen black and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) by applying a high dc voltage between two electrodes in an EPD suspension. The density of the composite electrode was comparable with that for an electrode prepared by a conventional process. The LiCoO2 electrode exhibited an initial discharge capacity of 142 mAh g−1. The cycleability of the LiCoO2 electrode prepared by the EPD was also equivalent to those of pellet type electrodes. From these results, it is concluded that the EPD method can be applied as the practical electrode fabrication process for a rechargeable lithium battery.