SWCNTs and their Application to Lithium-ion Batteries Brian Holler – John Carroll University, Howard REU

Why LiFePO4 Batteries? Light-weight Rechargeable ~150 W*h/kg Hold their charge (only ~5% loss per month) Hundreds of charge/discharge cycles

Lithium-Ion Batteries LiFePO4 active material in cathode Graphite/Carbon Black active material in anode Electrolyte to enable the reversible reaction

Single-walled Carbon Nanotubes High aspect ratio High electrical conductivity High mechanical strength and resilience

Why SWCNTs? Nanometer scale allows for short lithium diffusion times Increases battery life Increase safety Mechanically reinforcing it Preserving electrical contact with current collector

Battery Manufacturing Process Making the “slurry” Cathode: 80% LFP-10% CB-10% PVDF Anode: Many different ratios of Graphite, CB, and PVDF Coating ~20  m thick

Battery Manufacturing Process

Battery Assembly Vacuumed Box Crimped

Acquiring Data Arbin System Charge at 250  A Charge to 3.6V

Progress Optimizing for comparison Ratios of chemicals Mixing times Spreading Heating

Future Plan with SWCNTs Characterize SEM and Raman Incorporate the SWCNTs 99% Metallic 60% Metallic 1% Metallic Challenges How to add them to the electrode

Thank you Adewale Adepoju – Howard University GA Dr. Searles Dr. Williams