Nanocarbons in Li-Ion Batteries

Abstract

The ever-increasing demand for advanced power sources with higher energy density and various form factors strongly pushes us to search for new battery materials and structures beyond current state-of-the-art Li-ion batteries (LIBs). Recent progress in nanoscience and nanotechnology suggests opportunities to develop novel electrode materials and architectures for next-generation Li-ion batteries. Among numerous nanomaterials reported to date, nanocarbons have garnered considerable attention as a promising battery element to enrich electrode chemistry and materials. Of various nanocarbons, carbon nanotube and graphene exhibit outstanding electrical and mechanical properties, large surface area, and unique structural characteristics, which thus bring significant improvements in electrochemical performance and flexibility/design diversity of lithium-based power sources. Here, we describe current status and challenges of nanocarbons in LIBs, with a particular focus on their potential application to anode materials, conductive agents, current collectors, and structure-directing substances for electrodes.