Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Perspective on carbon nanotubes as conducting agent in lithium-ion batteries: the status and future challenges

  • Review
  • Published:
Carbon Letters Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The inclusion of conductive carbon materials into lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is essential for constructing an electrical network of electrodes. Considering the demand for cells in electric vehicles (e.g., higher energy density and lower cell cost), the replacement of the currently used carbon black with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) seems inevitable. This review discusses how CNTs can contribute to the development of advanced LIBs for EVs. First, the reason for choosing CNTs as a conducting agent for the cathode is discussed in terms of energy density. Second, the reinforcing effect of CNTs on the anode is described with respect to the choice of silicon as the active material. Third, the development of water-based cathode fabrication as well as dry electrode fabrication with aid of CNTs is discussed. Fourth, three technical hurdles, that is, the price, dispersion issue, and entrapped metal impurities, for widespread use of CNTs in LIBs are discussed.

Graphical abstract

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
$34.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4

Similar content being viewed by others

Data availability

The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

References

  1. Nykvist B, Nilsson M (2015) Rapidly falling costs of battery packs for electric vehicles. Nat Clim Chang 5(4):329–332

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Yan J, Huang H, Tong J, Li W, Liu X, Zhang H, Huang H, Zhou W (2022) Recent progress on the modification of high nickel content NCM: coating, doping, and single crystallization. Interdiscip Mater 1(3):330–353

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Asenbauer J, Eisenmann T, Kuenzel M, Kazzazi A, Chen Z, Bresser D (2020) The success story of graphite as a lithium-ion anode material–fundamentals, remaining challenges, and recent developments including silicon (oxide) composites. Sustain Energy Fuels 4(11):5387–5416

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Sotowa C, Origi G, Takeuchi M, Nishimura Y, Takeuchi K, Jang IY, Kim YJ, Hayashi T, Kim YA, Endo M, Dresselhaus MS (2008) The reinforcing effect of combined carbon nanotubes and acetylene blacks on the positive electrode of lithium-ion batteries. Chemsuschem 1(11):911–915

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Endo M, Kim YA, Hayashi T, Nishimura K, Matusita T, Miyashita K, Dresselhaus MS (2001) Vapor-grown carbon fibers (VGCFs) basic properties and their battery applications. Carbon 39:1287–1297

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Manthiram A (2020) A reflection on lithium-ion battery cathode chemistry. Nat Commun 11(1):1–9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Ding N, Wang X, Hou Y, Wang S, Li X, Fam DWH, Zong Y, Liu Z (2018) Rational design of a high-energy LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 cathode for Li-ion batteries. Solid State Ionics 323:72–77

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Sheem K, Lee YH, Lim HS (2006) High-density positive electrodes containing carbon nanotubes for use in Li-ion cells. J Power Sources 158:1425–1430

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Ju Z, Zhang X, King ST, Quilty CD, Zhu Y, Takeuchi KJ, Takeuchi ES, Bock DC, Wang L, Marschilok AC, Yu G (2020) Unveiling the dimensionality effect of conductive fillers in thick battery electrode for high energy storage systems. Appl Phys Rev 7:04105

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Lin C-H, Ju Z, Zheng X, Zhang X, Zmich N, Liu X, Takeuchi KJ, Marschilok AC, Takeuchi ES, Ge M, Yu G, Chen-Wiegart Y-cK (2022) Dimensionality effect of conductive carbon fillers in LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 cathode. Carbon 188:114–125

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Gong C, Xue Z, Wen S, Ye Y, Xie X (2016) Advanced carbon materials/olivine LiFePO4 composites cathode for lithium ion batteries. J Power Sources 318:93–112

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Asenbauer J, Eisenmann T, Kuenzel M, Kazzazi A, Chen Z, Bresser D (2020) The success story of graphite as a lithium-ion anode material—fundamentals, remaining challenges, and recent developments including silicon (oxide) composites. Sustain Energy Fuels 4(11):5387–5416

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Lee SE, Kim JH, Lee Y-S, Bai BC, Im JS (2021) Effect of crystallinity and particle size on coke-based anode for lithium ion batteries. Carbon letters 31(5):911–920

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Landi BJ, Ganter MJ, Cress CD, DiLeo RA, Raffaelle RP (2009) Carbon nanotubes for lithium ion batteries. Energy Environ Sci 2(6):638

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Li L, Yang H, Zhou D, Zhou Y (2014) Progress in application of CNTs in lithium-ion batteries. J Nanomater 2014:1–8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Chou S-L, Zhao Y, Wang J-Z, Chen Z-X, Liu H-K, Dou S-X (2010) Silicon/single-walled carbon nanotube composite paper as a flexible anode material for lithium ion batteries. J Phys Chem C 114(37):15862–15867

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Pedaballi S, Li C-C (2020) Effects of surface modification and organic binder type on cell performance of water-processed Ni-rich Li (Ni0.8Co0.1Mn01) O2 cathodes. J Power Sources 472:228552

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Orlenius J, Lyckfeldt O, Kasvayee KA, Johander P (2012) Water based processing of LiFePO4/C cathode material for Li-ion batteries utilizing freeze granulation. J Power Sources 213:119–127

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Kim J-M, Kim S-H, Kim NY, Ryou M-H, Bae H, Kim JH, Lee Y-G, Lee S-Y (2020) Nanofibrous conductive binders based on DNA-wrapped carbon nanotubes for lithium battery electrodes. Iscience 23(11):101739

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Zhang G, Qiu B, Xia Y, Wang X, Gu Q, Jiang Y, He Z, Liu Z (2019) Double-helix-superstructure aqueous binder to boost excellent electrochemical performance in Li-rich layered oxide cathode. J Power Sources 420:29–37

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Castelevecchi D (2021) Electric cars: the battery challenge. Nature 596:4

    Google Scholar 

  22. Hippauf F, Schumm B, Doerfler S, Althues H, Fujiki S, Shiratsuchi T, Tsujimura T, Aihara Y, Kaskel S (2019) Overcoming binder limitations of sheet-type solid-state cathodes using a solvent-free dry-film approach. Energy Storage Materials 21:390–398

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Wang K, Wu Y, Luo S, He X, Wang J, Jiang K, Fan S (2013) Hybrid super-aligned carbon nanotube/carbon black conductive networks: a strategy to improve both electrical conductivity and capacity for lithium ion batteries. J Power Sources 233:209–215

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Park JH, Park J, Lee S-H, Kim SM (2020) Continuous synthesis of high-crystalline carbon nanotubes by controlling the configuration of the injection part in the floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition process. Carbon Lett 30(6):613–619

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Luo S, Liu T, Wang B (2010) Comparison of ultrasonication and microfluidization for high throughput and large-scale processing of SWCNT dispersions. Carbon 48(10):2992–2994

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Kim Y, Hong JS, Moon SY, Hong J-Y, Lee JU (2021) Evaluation of carbon nanotubes dispersion in aqueous solution with various dispersing agents. Carbon Lett 31(6):1327–1337

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Pumera M (2007) Carbon nanotubes contain residual metal catalyst nanoparticles even after washing with nitric acid at elevated temperature because these metal nanoparticles are sheathed by several graphene sheets. Langmuir 23(11):6453–6458

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Chng ELK, Poh HL, Sofer Z, Pumera M (2013) Purification of carbon nanotubes by high temperature chlorine gas treatment. Phys Chem Chem Phys 15(15):5615–5619

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Desforges A, Bridi AV, Kadok J, Flahaut E, Le Normand F, Gleize J, Bellouard C, Ghanbaja J, Vigolo B (2016) Dramatic enhancement of double-walled carbon nanotube quality through a one-pot tunable purification method. Carbon 110:292–303

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

J.H.K. acknowledges the financial support from Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education (2021R111A1A01057335). Y.A.K acknowledges the financial support from the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) (2021R1I1A305628711) and the Industry and Energy and Korea Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology (No 00155725). J.H.H acknowledges the financial support from the Ministry of Trade, Industry & Energy (MOTIE, Korea) under Industrial Technology Innovation Program (No. 20017563).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Optoelectronics Convergence Research Center, Faculty of Engineering, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-Ro, Buk-Gu, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea

    Jin Hee Kim & Jong Hun Han

  2. School of Chemical Engineering, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-Ro, Buk-Gu, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea

    Sumin Kim & Jong Hun Han

  3. Department of Polymer Engineering, Graduate School, School of Polymer Science and Engineering & Alan G. MacDiarmid Energy Research Institute, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-Ro, Buk-Gu, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea

    Sol Bin Seo, Yu Rim Choi & Yoong Ahm Kim

  4. Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH), 6, Cheomdan-gwagiro 208-gil, Buk-gu, Gwangju, 61012, South Korea

    Jinsub Lim

Authors
  1. Jin Hee Kim
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Sumin Kim
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Jong Hun Han
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Sol Bin Seo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Yu Rim Choi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Jinsub Lim
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Yoong Ahm Kim
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Jong Hun Han or Yoong Ahm Kim.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

On behalf of all authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Kim, J.H., Kim, S., Han, J.H. et al. Perspective on carbon nanotubes as conducting agent in lithium-ion batteries: the status and future challenges. Carbon Lett. 33, 325–333 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42823-022-00449-0

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42823-022-00449-0

Keywords

Search

Navigation