Chemical passivation of lithiated graphitized mesocarbon fibers

In order to improve the Faraday yield during the first reduction/oxidation cycle of graphitized mesocarbon fibers (GMCFs) used as the negative electrodes for lithium-ion batteries, chemical lithiation was performed before formation of the electrode. Organic solutions of butyllithium, lithium naphtalenide or molten lithium at 220 degrees C were used as the lithiation reactives. The effect of chemical lithiation on the morphology and structure of GMCFs was examined by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis and Raman spectroscopy. The electrochemical study showed the effectiveness of these treatments on the enhancement of the Faraday yield and the reversible capacity of GMCFs. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.