Hierarchical and Resilient Conductive Network of Bridged Carbon Nanotubes and Nanofibers for High-Energy Si Negative Electrodes

A design of thick composite electrode for lithium batteries, based on a hierarchical and resilient conductive network of bridged carbon nanotubes [multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs)] and nanofibers [vapor-grown carbon nanofibers (VGCFs)], is presented. This thick silicon/MWNT/VGCF electrode shows a greatly improved cyclability. The combination of VGCF and MWNT easily adapts to large volume changes and favors electronic percolation from nano- to micrometer levels. The whole procedure is simple and could be extended to other anode and cathode materials.