Energy Storage Science and Technology ›› 2020, Vol. 9 ›› Issue (1): 70-81.doi: 10.12028/j.issn.2095-4239.2019.0175

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Application of graphene conductive additives in cathodes of lithium ion batteries

GUAN Yibiao1(), SHEN Jinran2, LI Kangle3, GUAN Zhaoruxin3(), ZHOU Shuqin2, GUO Cuijing2, XU Bin3   

  1. 1. State Key Laboratory of Operation and Control of Renewable Energy & Storage Systems, China Electric Power Research Institute, Beijing 100192, China
    2. China Electric Power Research Institute
    3. College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
  • Received:2019-07-30 Revised:2019-08-09 Online:2020-01-05 Published:2019-08-09
  • Contact: Zhaoruxin GUAN E-mail:guanyb@epri.sgcc.com.cn;guanzrx@163.com

Abstract:

The high conductivity, high specific surface area, and excellent chemical stability and mechanical properties of graphene make it attractive as a conductive additive in cathodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Unlike conventional additives, such as carbon black, graphite, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), flexible ultrathin graphene with a unique two-dimensional structure provides “plane-to-point” contact with the active materials, realizing long-range conduction while promoting fast electron transportation in the electrode. In this study, recent progress in graphene conductive additives used for cathodes in LIBs in fundamental research and industrial applications is reviewed. The combination of graphene with carbon black and/or CNTs as hybrid conductive additives can create a vast conductive network, including the “plane-to-point,” “point-to-point,” and “line-to-point” conducting modes; thus, this combination of long-range and short-range conduction increases the overall electrode conductivity. The obtained improvement in electrochemical performance not only affects the efficiency but also reduces the overall electrode production cost, realizing myriad potential applications in the industrial sector. Finally, the challenges and future prospects of graphene conductive additives are outlined.

Key words: graphene, lithium ion batteries, cathode materials, conductive additives, conductive network

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