Carbon nanotube (CNT)-based composites as electrode material for rechargeable Li-ion batteries: A review

The ever-increasing demands for higher energy density and higher power capacity of Li-ion secondary batteries have led to search for electrode materials whose capacities and performance are better than those available today. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), because of their unique 1D tubular structure, high electrical and thermal conductivities and extremely large surface area, have been considered as ideal additive materials to improve the electrochemical characteristics of both the anode and cathode of Li-ion batteries with much enhanced energy conversion and storage capacities. Recent development of electrode materials for LIBs has been driven mainly by hybrid nanostructures consisting of Li storage compounds and CNTs. In this paper, recent advances are reviewed of the use of CNTs and the methodologies developed to synthesize CNT-based composites for electrode materials. The physical, transport and electrochemical behaviors of the electrodes made from composites containing CNTs are discussed. The electrochemical performance of LIBs affected by the presence of CNTs in terms of energy and power densities, rate capacity, cyclic life and safety are highlighted in comparison with those without or containing other types of carbonaceous materials. The challenges that remain in using CNTs and CNT-based composites, as well as the prospects for exploiting them in the future are discussed. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.