Oxide Fiber Cathode Materials for Rechargeable Lithium Cells

{ntb_intro_text}Fibers have been investigated at Johnson Space Center as alternatives to other powders used as lithium-intercalation compounds in cathodes of rechargeable lithium-ion electrochemical cells. The fibers can be pressed and sintered to form a cathode, without need for a binder or a conductive additive. The inter-grain contacts of the fibers are stronger and offer reduced loss of capacity from cycle to cycle.{/ntb_intro_text}

LiCoO₂ and LiNiO₂ fibers have been investigated as alternatives to LiCoO₂ and LiNiO₂ powders used as lithium-intercalation compounds in cathodes of rechargeable lithium-ion electrochemical cells. In making such a cathode, LiCoO₂ or LiNiO₂ powder is mixed with a binder [e.g., poly(vinylidene fluoride)] and an electrically conductive additive (usually carbon) and the mixture is pressed to form a disk. The binder and conductive additive contribute weight and volume, reducing the specific energy and energy density, respectively.