Multiwalled carbon nanotubes as a conducting additive in a LiNi0.7Co0.3O2 cathode for rechargeable lithium batteries

The preparation of novel composite cathode of LiNi0.7Co 0.3O2 particles and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), was illustrated. The charge-discharge characteristics were examined with CR2032 coin cells and the microstructure of acetylene black and MWCNT was analyzed by high-resolution electron microscopy (HRTEM). The increase of discharge capacity was 39 mAh/g and improvement of cycle efficiency was 3.1% when MWCNTs replaced acetylene black at the same content. The results show that the conductive network formed by the LiNi0.7Co0.3O2 particles which were connected by MWCNT, was effective to improve reversible capacity and cycle efficiency.