Achieving high energy densities in lithium-ion batteries requires advancements in electrode materials and design. This study investigated the incorporation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with high commercial viability as conductive additives into two types of high-nickel cathode materials, LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ and LiNi_0.92Co_0.07Mn_0.01O₂. To ensure a uniform distribution within the electrodes, MWCNTs were uniformly dispersed in the solvent using ultrasonication, the most effective and straightforward dispersion method. This enhancement improved both electronic and ionic conductivity, facilitating the formation of an efficient electron transfer network. Unlike the cells using only carbon black, the electrodes with MWCNTs exhibited lower internal resistances, facilitating higher lithium-ion diffusion. The cells with MWCNTs exhibited a capacity retention of 89.5% over their cycle life, and the cells with 2 wt% MWCNTs exhibited a superior rate capability at a high current density of 1 C. This study highlights that incorporating well-dispersed MWCNTs effectively enhances the electrochemical performance of ultrahigh-loading cathodes in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), providing valuable insights into electrode design.

Correction: In situ-prepared composite materials of PEDOT: PSS buffer layer-metal nanoparticles and their application to organic solar cells

To address the limitations of the current anodes of Li+-ion batteries (LIBs), a Ge/GeO2/Carbon (Ge@GeO2-C) composite was designed by introducing a high-energy ball-milling process for advanced LIBs. Ge@GeO2-C is prepared and characterized by XPS, XRD, SEM, and TEM, which facilitate synthesis and provide controllability with respect to milling time. Interestingly, as the ball-milling time increased, the proportion of metallic Ge increased during the carbon thermal reduction reaction. The electrochemical characteristics of Ge@GeO2-C are assessed using differential capacity analysis (dQ/dV) and galvanostatic charge-discharge techniques to confirm its viability as an anode material in LIBs. The results demonstrated decent initial and secondary capacities of approximately 1800 mAh g-1 (for the first cycle) and 838 mAh g-1 (for the second cycle) at a rate of C/60 by the reaction between Ge and the Li-Ge complex. Furthermore, postmortem characterization was performed to gain an understanding of the material, suggesting future prospects for advanced LIBs.