Vapor-grown carbon fiber anode for cylindrical lithium ion rechargeable batteries

A lithium ion rechargeable battery based on carbon anode that is a viable replacement for lithium metal anode has been developed. In this investigation, the Vapor-Grown Carbon Fiber was used as the anode material of a cylindrical battery. The charge/discharge experiments were carried under various temperatures and current densities. Excellent cyclability was obtained at 21 degrees C at a charge/discharge of 0.8 C with three cathode materials (LiCoO2, LiMn2O4, and LiNiO2). High discharge capacity was obtained at low temperature (0 degrees C). Good cyclability was also obtained at high temperature (40 degrees C). At the charge/discharge rate of 4.0 C, energy density did not decay significantly. Good cyclability was obtained for rates ranging from 0.8 C to 4.0 C. Self-discharge was investigated at 3 temperatures (21, 40 and 60 degrees C). The measured self-discharge was 8, 15 and 31% per month at 21, 40 and 60 degrees C, respectively. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.