Synthesis and electrochemical performance of aluminum based composites

Abstract

Aluminum is a very attractive anode material for lithium ion batteries if the fast capacity fading and cycle performance are improved. Al/carbon composites were synthesized using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as carbon source to solve these problems. The samples were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC-TGA), particle size analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and galvanostatic cycling. Although the initial irreversible capacities increase due to the presence of carbon, the composites exhibit improved cycle performance. The composite with high carbon content (composite B) possesses capacity retention of 58% after 15 cycles, which is much higher than that of pure aluminum (21%). Results indicate that carbon coating is a feasible method to improve the electrochemical performance of metal aluminum. © 2010 Sociedade Brasileira de Química.