Cell properties for modified PTMA cathodes of organic radical batteries

Stable nitroxyl radical polymers, such as poly (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy-4-yl methacrylate) (PTMA), are known to be effective as cathode active materials for lithium rechargeable batteries. A water-based slurry was used to prepare PTMA composite electrodes, enabling successful production of homogeneous electrodes. This improved utilization of active material and enabled us to obtain specific capacities almost equal to the theoretical value (111 mAh g(-1)). Lithium half cells were fabricated using these electrodes and using graphite as the anode active material, and their cycling stability, temperature dependence, rate capability and self-discharge rate were measured in detail. Although they showed 24% irreversible capacity on the first cycle, the capacity stabilized after the second cycle. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.