Multi-Channel Graphite for High-Rate Lithium Ion Battery

Graphite, which is the most wildly used anode material for lithium ion batteries, has a limited power performance at high charging rates (Li-ion input), while its alternatives, such as silicon and tin alloys, show an even inferior rate capability. Here, we describe a multi-channel graphite anode with channels etched into the graphite surface that enables lithium ions to quickly access graphite particles for fast chargeable lithium ion batteries. As a result, the multi-channel graphite anode showed an excellent charging rate capability of 83% for 6C charging and 73% for 10C charging, which is much better than pristine graphite material. Moreover, the multi-channel graphite anode showed a great enhanced discharge rate capability than pristine graphite. In addition, it showed excellent cyclability with a capacity retention of 85% at 6C after 3000 cycles without any additives. The multi-channel graphite anode is proposed for use in fast chargeable lithium ion batteries for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles. (C) 2018 The Electrochemical Society.